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DOCTOR HILDRETH 


A ROMANCE. 


ALFRED LUDLOW WHITE. 




“ Et ta plus burlesque parole 
Est souvent un docte sermon.” 

Boileau. 


■JVo.JSAl.LM 

1879. -c^ 


i\-' v 




PHILADELPHIA: 

J. B. LIPPINCOTT & CO. 
1880 . 



Copyright, 1879, by Alfred Ludlow White. 






DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


CHAPTER I. 

When Dr. Hildreth, at the age of fifty, sold a 
lucrative city practice he was influenced by the knowl- 
edge that his fortune yielded a larger income than he 
and his wife — being childless — could possibly spend ; 
and more directly by the idea that in the retirement of 
country life could be found that leisure for which his 
scientific soul had so long panted. 

For it should be known that he was one of those 
persons who, eminently successful in the profession 
into which their steps have been guided in early life, 
imagine, and often truly, that the peculiar bent of their 
genius would have carried them to greater fame in 
some other direction. Now to Dr. Hildreth it seemed, 
as — in such intervals as could be snatched from his 
practice — he read the results of long years of patient 
investigation by trained observers, or wandered in the 
mazes of evolution, that these men were constantly 
making discoveries, some of which should rightly 
have fallen to his lot. And it was with nervous 
haste that he followed the suggestion of his friend 
and former patient, Mr. Loring, and moved to River- 
l* 5 


6 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


dale some six years before this chronicle begins. But 
alas for science ! Some men may step out of harness 
and blithely turn to other loves, or even keep a watch- 
ful eye on what may be termed a subsidiary go-cart as 
they bend to the collar ; but to one of Dr. Hildreth’s 
temperament it was a moral impossibility. The very 
nervous excitability that sustained him under the 
strain of a large practice, and in a measure perhaps 
assisted his reputation as a dashing hand at a diag- 
nosis, was fatal when brought to bear on subjects 
needing cool deliberation and boundless patience. 

And so it was that after elaborate preparations had 
been made for work, by the introduction to his study 
of all such plants, insects, and animals most curious 
in kind and strongest of odor as the surrounding 
country could furnish, he found to his disgust that a 
feverish unrest still possessed him, and that, in short, 
he had made a mistake. 

Much to Mrs. Hildreth’s secret delight, one by one 
the shrivelled plants, the dead or dying rodents, and 
other unsavory specimens were carried out, until the 
doctor one day declared “he would be hanged if he 
turned hospital-nurse at his time of life,” and ordered 
a general clearance. 

Now, it would be doing less than justice to our sex 
to suppose that the doctor would care to look abroad 
for a worthy object on which to vent his irritation at 
this incomprehensible ending to life-long wishes, when 
there was one in such tempting proximity as his wife. 
Accordingly, it came to be understood that Mrs. Hil- 
dreth was of a discontented disposition, and had 
finally badgered the doctor into leaving the city. But 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


7 


as this implied a preference for the more sober and re- 
fining influences of Riverdale, as against a somewhat 
crude and bustling state of society in the metropolis, 
it was not held to be detrimental to her character, 
provided her nomadic tastes carried her no farther 
a-field. 

As a slight sop to the pride of former intentions, 
Dr. Hildreth had readily accustomed himself to be- 
lieve that he had been thwarted in his main attraction 
to scientific research by his wife’s soft-heartedness in 
regard to vivisection ; and that but for her interven- 
tion, a judicious use of scalpel and microscope would 
by this time have easily placed him in the van of 
modern scientists. The truth being that his own 
kindly nature would have revolted quite as soon as 
Mrs. Hildreth’s at the practice. It will be seen, how- 
ever, that this was a grievance which, potted with 
care, would yield large returns in the shape of con- 
versational thorns, to be planted as occasion served 
and discretion suggested in the tempting surface pre- 
sented by Mrs. Hildreth’s shrinking form. 

And often as the doctor returned to the theme, or as 
a last extremity, when worsted in the nearly vain at- 
tempt to shake her impassibility on other subjects, re- 
sorted to the seizure and confinement in his study of a 
favorite cat, so often would Mrs. Hildreth rebel, and 
at the use of the last expedient, after a sharp engage- 
ment, put her husband to utter rout. 

Dr. Hildreth was short and thin of body, with a 
head somewhat too large for his frame. A broad, 
protuberant forehead, with heavy gray eyebrows capa- 
ble of producing a ferocious scowl, eyes that glittered 


8 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


and snapped from behind his glasses, and a pleasant, 
unbearded mouth that, almost childish in its sweet- 
ness, utterly belied the sternness of his other features, 
together with short, gray whiskers, complete a suffi- 
ciently exact description of the doctor’s appearance. 

And, just as his features were contradictory, so were 
his characteristics. “ Strong in statement, but mild in 
action” ; continually exposing his wife to ridicule by 
his loud-voiced contempt for her opinions, but in re- 
ality generally guided by her mildly-expressed views, 
and loving her devotedly ; jumping to conclusions 
with rapidity, and in argument holding to them with 
the greatest tenacity, but severe in his condemnation 
of the practice in others, he was very much influenced 
by the suggestions of a kind heart and the opinion of 
those he loved. And it should not greatly detract 
from these better qualities that the great majority of 
mankind were to him as “ ignorant idiots.” 

Mrs. Hildreth was also short, but stout; question- 
able of figure and nondescript of feature ; exceedingly 
placid, and content to let the doctor have his erratic 
way on nearly every point. But it was in vain that 
he dashed himself against certain subjects and tastes, 
or attempted to overwhelm her with quick-succeeding 
waves of his so-called logic. Mrs. Hildreth was no 
more to be dislodged than a limpet from its rock. 

For a time Dr. Hildreth chafed and fretted at his 
inaction, but presently began to be called in consulta- 
tion by the other doctors, both of the village and 
neighboring towns. That keen vision called diagnosis 
is in the country often supposed to be an attribute 
peculiar to city physicians; and that they are often 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


9 


summoned to confirm previous opinions is by no means 
to be thought a confession of lack of faith in the 
powers of prognosis shown by rural practitioners. 
However this may be or for whatever reasons, Dr. 
Hildreth soon found himself in the position of being 
absorbed by, or, perhaps, to speak more correctly, ab- 
sorbing Riverdale. 

From the depression of spirit that was apt to follow 
his well-meant attempts to raise a large acquaintance 
to what he was pleased to call a higher level, the at- 
traction exercised by the doctor might be termed capil- 
lary. But there were not wanting friends to suggest 
that it was rather the fascinating influence commonly 
attributed to the constrictor and other attractive but 
untrustworthy ophidians, which yielded to Dr. Hil- 
dreth such abundant and unresisting prey. 

For, though others might be quite as much re- 
spected, it was found impossible to resist the advances 
of one who knew everything that happened or was 
about to happen ; had talked over more voters to the 
Republican party than would probably be found at the 
polls ; and was prepared to advise with any one on any 
subject that came under the sun as it looked down 
upon Riverdale. 


A* 


CHAPTER II. 


Much to the satisfaction of Riverdale, which for 
some time had been agitated with a rumor that the 
owner of the “ Poplars” was about to return home, 
Henry Carrington had at last appeared. When we 
first see him he is leaning against a pillar supporting 
the porch of the old house, engaged in puffing vigor- 
busly at a pipe while meditatively taking^in the details 
of land and water mapped out before him. The house 
and farm, known as the “ Poplars,” had belonged to 
Carrington’s mother, but for some years before the 
outbreak of the rebellion, Mr. Carrington, Sr., who 
was a Southerner, had been unable to leave his plan- 
tation, so that the New England home had been un- 
visited and in the hands of strangers. Mrs. Carring- 
ton, worn out with anxiety for her husband and son, 
died soon after the beginning of the struggle; Mr. 
Carrington was killed, and Henry, after doing his best 
until there was nothing left to fight for, sheathed his 
sword and set about gathering together the remnants 
of his property. There was little left him in the 
South, for the generous old home lay in ruins, but 
fortunately, his mother’s possessions had been securely 
invested by her trustees, and Carrington, finding that 
he had sufficient left him to indulge a pronounced 
taste for travel, for five or six years drifted aimlessly 
about the world. 

10 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


11 


But the sense of isolation began to grow wearying 
at last and urged him to visit a place where something 
was known of him. The yearning, too, of a warm heart, 
prompted him to attach himself to others and them 
to him. He longed to feel that he was one of a com- 
munity, sharing its joys and griefs and common in- 
terests ; to root himself fast, even to the point of vege- 
tation, in short, for all the many ties that go to make 
the village and the town, and so came back to River- 
dale, after an interval of twenty years. 

The more noticeable points of Carrington’s outer 
man are a soldierly, powerful figure, much above the 
middle height ; a pleasant, bronzed face, dark eyes, a 
long, brown moustache, and a square, shapely chin. 

Of course he had not lived for over thirty years 
without meeting many girls who seemed to him fair 
and womanly. Girls with whom he might easily have 
fallen in love if circumstances, which play so impor- 
tant a part in the conduct of these affairs, or that 
strange condition of mind which sometimes takes pos- 
session of us, even to the abandonment of all pre- 
viously-formed ideals, had so constrained him. But, 
certainly, not as yet had he known “ that not impossi- 
ble she” whom we naturally look to find, often with 
scant success, and it was with some curiosity that he 
awaited an introduction to Riverdalian society. 

Before going over the farm with Thomas Wright, 
who has had it at a nominal rental, Carrington is try- 
ing to accustom himself to a disappointing shrinkage 
in childish estimates and reminiscences; to the con- 
tracted, sunken look of the gray, weather-beaten house, 
and to the fact that the rocks, against which the 


12 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


waves swashed as of old, were much less precipitous 
than when he had last scrambled down their brown 
sides. But the noble sheet of water seemed to his 
mind rather to have gained than suffered since as an 
urchin of ten he had dabbled barefoot at its edge, or, 
under his father’s tuition, labored at the oar. 

Miles away stretched the purple line of Long Island, 
lying on the unruffled surface like some sea-monster 
breathing out the smoke that hung above it in heavy 
clouds or curled slowly upwards from the burning 
tracts of pine and oak. Athwart the haze of the fall 
morning the sun streamed westward, gilding the distant 
sails, some barely holding their own against the rising 
tide, so light was the breeze, as they worked slowly 
to windward, others, with all sail set, drifting on 
with the flood. 

To right and left ran the Connecticut shore, broken 
here and there by islets or a daring arm thrust straight 
into the blue, as though to bridge the Sound, and then 
again trending backward in some graceful sweep of 
curving sand. Afar to the eastward pnly the yellow 
haze marked the horizon, and suggested rather than 
hid the widening seas beyond. 

Hardly a stone’s throw from the seaward end of one 
of these miniature peninsulas rose a small two-story 
house with gable roof, lapsing at one end and rear into 
a kitchen and wood-shed, while scattered about the 
grounds a few haggard-looking Lombardy poplars 
raised their ragged branches to heaven as though in 
protest against the changes of fashion that left them 
unvalued and uncared for. Some traces of a flower- 
garden were left in the lines of box bordering the 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


13 


weed-grown paths that led to the barn, through the 
open doors of which could be seen the farm of some 
fifty acres stretching back towards Riverdale. 

Although it might be to the general satisfaction that 
Henry Carrington could see these things for himself, 
it was otherwise with Thomas Wright, farmer. Awak- 
ing betimes on the morning of which we write, he 
proceeded' to get into such of his clothes as he did not 
habitually sleep in, incidentally remarking to Sarah, 
the partner of his joys for forty years, that she had 
“ better be er gettin’ out of that an’ seem* ter ther 
break fust.” He had passed an uneasy night, for his 
conscience — much in keeping though it was with the 
seared face on which time, hard, narrow thoughts, and 
exposure had left their unmistakable imprint in many 
a curious line and wrinkle — told him that before night 
he was likely to reap what he had not sown. With 
what vividness came before him the long lines of 
tumble-down fences, the many acres overgrown with 
weed and nettle, and exhausted by much sameness of 
crop, guiltless of fertilizers ! If it were possible for 
this type of New England farmer in so great a degree 
to change his spots, it is probable that at this moment 
Thomas Wright would have accepted with humility 
the most chemical kind of modern model-farming, so 
that it left him in possession for a new trial. But his 
lease had expired ; he knew nothing of the owner’s 
intentions, and it seemed more than probable that in 
his old age, with what little had been wrung from the 
farm, he would have to start anew. 

Somewhat prepared by the ruinous state of the 
house and its immediate surroundings to find the rest 
2 


14 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


in similar condition, Carrington followed the farmer 
about the place. Happily for Mr. Wright, looking 
at everything with the eye of a novice, but careful not 
to display his ignorance, and listening to all voluble 
explanations in what seemed to their offerer an omi- 
nous silence. It was not until they had returned to 
the house that, taking his pipe from his mouth and 
speaking with an air of impressive solemnity, Car- 
rington said, — 

“ Mr. Wright, I suppose you won’t deny that every- 
thing about the place shows shameful neglect ?” 

“ Waal, I ’low some things is er little gorn ter seed,” 
the farmer answered, tentatively. “ But I guess, Mr. 
Carrington, it’s mostly ther fault of ther drouths we’ve 
hed thet I ain’t ben able ter reg’late things better. 
Then I’ve hed ther rheumatis’ fur quite er spell, an’ 
thet goes agin’ all work. An’ then my ole woman, she 
tuk quite er shine ter fixin’ up ther house ’bout four or 
five year sence, an’ I hed ter shingle ther ruf ter pacify 
her.” It seemed to Mr. Wright that if good reasons 
avail anything to save a man, it were a pity to allow 
any to be wasted, however time-worn. 

“ I fail to see any signs of repair for the last ten 
years,” Carrington answered. And in this he was 
correct, for Mrs. Wright was quite incapable of taking 
a decided stand about anything, save when a diffi- 
culty arose as to “ hitchin’ up er team ter take her ter 
meetin’.” 

“And it seems to me,” continued Carrington, “ that 
I should simply be robbing myself in keeping on a 
man who has shown himself incompetent to get a 
decent living out of the place.” 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


15 


“ Waal, I ain’t lived so bad nuther, cap’n ; an’ I’ve 
got er few hundreds put by,” said the farmer in some 
heat, refuting what seemed an unwarrantable aspersion 
and unconsciously betraying himself. 

“So much the worse! After such an admission, of 
course, the sooner you leave the better !” Carrington 
rejoined, sternly. But the old man was now reduced 
to abject Submission. 

“ Don’t be rough on me, cap’ll ! I’m pretty ole ter 
be turned out, and my wife too. I guess ’t would jest 
break her heart ter leave the farm ; an’ ’taint much 
I’ve saved, nuther.” 

Here a wailing was heard from the background, 
and Mrs. Wright, who had overheard the latter part 
of their conversation, was to be seen with apron thrown 
over her head and sobbing bitterly. This was bring- 
ing to bear altogether too much pressure on a soft- 
hearted man, and Carrington said, hastily, — 

“ For heaven’s sake stop that noise, and I’ll see 
what can be done !” And then, after a moment’s con- 
sideration, “Now look here, Wright, I’m willing to 
give you another trial for a year. But mind, you are 
simply to carry out my orders in everything. Your 
wife will do the cooking and take care of the house, 
and at the end of a few months we can come to an 
understanding on the subject of wages.” 

The proposition was gladly accepted, and inwardly 
pleased at an arrangement that relieved him from the 
necessity of making a change, Carrington gave in- 
structions as to needed repairs and sallied forth to look 
up old friends. 


CHAPTER III. 


In the many little streams, rarely rising to the dig- 
nity of rivers, that run merrily down to the sea, it 
would almost seem as if an indulgent Providence had 
consulted the exclusive tastes of original settlers in 
these parts. For, apparently, if one of these worthies 
felt “ the iron bands of civilization” tightening round 
liim, — as indicated by the approach of a neighbor 
within something less than a quarter of a mile, — 
gathering Lar and Penates, and summoning the faith- 
ful drudge with her shock-headed brood, he would 
shift to the next stream, with a comprehensive under- 
standing of the necessities of washing-day and a large- 
minded view of future possibilities in the shape of 
mills. Whether depressed by the seeming difficulty 
of in this way skirting the whole coast of North 
America, one of these primitive topographers, felling 
as much as possible of the surrounding woods, sternly 
bided his fate, and thus Riverdale, by a most grad- 
ual process of accretion, grew to its present size, — or 
whether history furnishes some more probable chron- 
icle I am ignorant. However this may be, by the 
year 187- its houses stretched a goodly distance in- 
land, and something like two thousand people dwelt 
within its boundaries. 

The one broad road or street ran back from the 
water to the station where the railroad touched for an 
16 


DOCTOR HILDRETH 


17 


instant the outposts of the village, then whisked off at 
a tangent, as though half ashamed of being found 
stopping at so small a place. The street included in 
its vista tall trees, white houses with green blinds, and 
houses of all shades, with shutters colored according 
to their kind ; houses pillared and pedimented in tell- 
ing satire on the Grecian temple, and houses whose 
Mansard roofs were pleasant to the eye of the River- 
dalian, as indicating, on the part of their owners, an 
increased brain-power in the grasping of new ideas, 
necessitating a corresponding upward-bulging of their 
domiciles. 

It would be hard to say of what material the pop- 
ulation consisted, so various were its elements. The 
majority farmers, more shop-keepers than the place 
could well support, a few fishermen, and finally, per- 
haps a score of families ordinarily classed as the 6lite. 
Mr. Loring, a New York banker, ranked as the most 
substantial man of the village, and was certainly 
looked up to with the greatest pride, both as being an 
exemplar to what heights a Riverdalian might attain 
in the way of business success, and as having a much- 
to-be-admired habit of spending his money in his 
native place. 

He was now, however, in London, and as it was 
probable his absence would extend through the winter 
at least, he had left his family, consisting of his sister- 
in-law Miss Morton and his daughter Kate, at the 
home in Riverdale. 

Following the lane which led from the “ Poplars’’ 
to the village street between the crumbling fences of 
mossy stones, now made warm and bright with many 

2 * 


18 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


creepers, berries, and snowy clematis, Carrington soon 
came to the house he was in search of. Yes, there it 
was, about half the size he expected, but still large 
and rambling. There, too, was the gate, with its 
heavy ball and chain, which he remembered strug- 
gling to open for his mother as she stood smiling at his 
impatience, but now so easily yielding to the strength 
of the one hand laid on it in half-sad comparison be- 
tween boy and man. Sending up his card, Carring- 
ton was shown into the drawing-room, bright with 
the light of a wood-fire reflected in the tiled chimney- 
piece, and with many evidences of taste and travel on 
the walls and tables. He had not been long engaged 
in studying the pictures when Miss Morton came in, 
— a stately little lady, prettier now, probably, than 
earlier in life, — with gray curls about her cheeks, and 
eyes that were still brilliant, though just now dimmed 
as she saw the son of her old friend before her. 

“ Ah, Henry, — you will let me call you so, won’t 
you?” holding out her hands as she spoke. “Your 
mother was as dear to me as my own sister, and if you 
were my own boy I couldn’t have felt more excited at 
hearing you were coming home. But you will excuse 
an old woman’s ways?” she went on, fearing perhaps 
that this mature man disliked being fussed over. 
But her warm greeting had gone to his heart, and not 
trusting himself to speak, Carrington bent to kiss one 
of the wrinkled little hands that clasped his, and after 
leading her to a seat, they were silent for a moment. 

“ But you have come to stay, haven’t you, Henry ? 
No more running off to fight other people’s battles. 
What are the French or Germans to you after all ?” 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


19 


" Yes, I’m going to turn my sword into a plough- 
share, and, I fear, risk a good deal of money in a 
doubtful experiment.” 

“ Well, if you need more come to me, for there is a 
great deal more coming in than I can possibly spend, 
and I have so hated to see that old Wright let the 
farm run down, particularly since your trustee — Mr. 
Tracy — died. But as you went off in that wild, 
harum-scarum way — -just like your poor dear father — 
without stopping to find out whether you had a friend 
in the world, how could I do anything about it?” 
asked the old lady, a little querulously. 

“ You are very good,” Carrington said, touched at 
this early confidence ; “ but I have only myself to 
blame for the condition the place is in ; and as I have 
all that I started with arid a little more besides to run 
through, I hope there won’t be any need of your kind- 
ness. If I should get into a scrape, though, I’ll come 
to you as I would to my own mother,” he continued, 
seeing that she yet felt hurt at the recollection of his 
former carelessness. At this Miss Morton brightened 
up immediately. 

u I never should have known you ! Such a great 
big man ; I am almost disappointed. Dear, dear, how 
the time does fly to be sure !” 

“ Speaking of that, Mrs. Loring left a little girl, 
didn’t she? Why, she must be quite large by this 
time!” said Carrington, suddenly remembering that 
in the natural course of events the little child must 
have grown somewhat, and now thinking of her as at 
a shapeless and uninteresting age. 

“ You must forget that my sister died the last sum- 


20 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


mer you spent in Riverdale, — twenty years ago. Why, 
Kate has been ‘ out’ these two years. Though I did 
tell her father I thought it a great mistake,” she said, 
bridling as though at the remembrance of a domestic 
conflict. Just then the street-door was opened, and a 
young, fresh voice could be heard exchanging farewells 
with some one who would not come in. 

“ There’s Kate now !” said Miss Morton. And the 
young lady in question, stopping short in a song and 
hesitating as she saw a stranger, appeared at the lower 
end of the room. In obedience to her aunt’s signal 
she drew near them, holding up her riding-skirt with 
one hand and having a whip in the other. 

Prepared as Carrington had been to see some one 
very different from the little girl of his imaginings, 
for the moment this fully-formed young woman more 
than filled his eye, and she was standing in front of 
him when he recovered himself and rose to his feet. 

A beautifully-rounded figure, looking taller than it 
really was, but shown to perfection in the clinging 
lines of her habit; brown hair, though of a lighter 
color than the large, dark eyes ; a face ordinarily pale, 
but now suffused with a dusky red, the result of hard 
riding and perhaps a slight consciousness of Carring- 
ton’s scrutiny, give us the details he had had ample 
opportunity to observe as Kate Loring moved towards 
them. 

By the time Carrington had made his bow, as Miss 
Morton mentioned their names, he felt a comforting 
assurance that his life in Riverdale was likely to prove 
anything but dull or uneventful. 

Kate extended a small, gauntleted hand in recog- 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


21 


nition of his being a friend of her aunt, and then sank 
into a chair with something of that air — so much a 
characteristic of American girls — of being prepared, 
should the conversation tend that way, to carry on a 
light and cheerful dialogue in Sanscrit. Happily for 
us others and for the settlement of any unfortunate 
questions of mental supremacy involved, this appear- 
ance commonly proves a delusion, though often quite 
as disconcerting as the cloud of an impervious nature 
with which English girls are apt to enshroud them- 
selves at like critical moments, as did the classic 
deities of old. 

“ Your aunt was just expressing some disappoint- 
ment at the changes time has made in me, Miss Lor- 
ing, and I hope you will not take it amiss if I say I 
feel a little of the same at seeing you,” said Carring- 
ton, smiling. 

“ I didn’t suppose you knew of my existence, but 
if you confess it is an agreeable disappointment, I may 
forgive you,” she answered, in the same tone, not un- 
conscious that a man must be hard to please who could 
feel otherwise. 

“The only confession I shall make at present is, 
that I didn’t, certainly, think of you as you are. But 
what shall I do without my little playmate? Why, do 
you know, 1 had hoped for such nice times with her, 
and now all chance of that is swept away forever.” 

“Why shouldn’t you still have ‘nice times’ together? 
For I hope, Henry, you will make yourself quite at 
home here, and be with us whenever you can,” chimed 
in Miss Morton, unwittingly putting forth the tendril 
of a thought already fast rooted in her mind, and for- 


22 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


getful how sensitive are the antennae of our percep- 
tions during the first moments of an acquaintance. 

To Miss Loring, who was perhaps unduly ready to 
take offence, from the consciousness that she had looked 
forward with considerable interest to Carrington’s arri- 
val, it now suddenly occurred that she was undergoing 
the process of being flung at his head. And thinking 
it would be a good opportunity to show him that she 
was no party to it, or, if he came to Riverdale with 
the idea that all the girls were going to run after him, 
to prove to Mr. Carrington that she for one was quite 
indifferent, Kate said, — 

“ Of course, aunt, we shall be glad to see Mr. Car- 
rington — when he cares to come. Though I’m afraid 
his idea of ‘nice times’ and mine may not quite agree.” 
And then addressing him with an air of great frank- 
ness, “You see, Mr. Carrington, our village society 
may seem a little tame to you after all the charming 
people you must have met in the course of your travels. 
We have our quiet teas, readings, and gatherings of 
that sort, but are not much disturbed by novelties of 
any kind.” 

Only partly succeeding in concealing a smile, as he 
easily detected the sarcasm hidden in her last remark, 
Carrington said, pointing his answer with a slight 
bow, — 

“ As first impressions are said to be the truest, Miss 
Loring, I don’t think I shall have reason to regret any 
charming people I may have met hitherto. And then, 
as you say, these same quiet evenings will be such a 
novelty to me that I shall accept every invitation with 
the greatest alacrity.” 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


23 


Now a sarcasm ignored is a source of annoyance to 
the user, and not unlike the boomerang in untrained 
hands, both as leaving the question in painful doubt 
whether the unsuccessful caster or the object aimed at 
has suffered most, and as showing an unskilled use of 
conversational weapons. 

That Kate felt something of this was indicated out- 
wardly by an increasing color and a nervous tapping 
of the whip against her dress, while the dominant idea 
in her mind was, 11 that this Mr. Carrington was sim- 
ply an aggravating thing !” Probably in another in- 
stant she would have given this irritation some ex- 
pression, but glancing towards him, she found that 
he had assumed a mildly deprecating air — belied by 
a merry twinkle in the eyes that met hers — which 
quickly upset her gravity. 

Miss Morton looked up from her tatting as they 
both began to laugh, saying, — 

u Why, Kate, what can be the matter with you to- 
day? A moment ago you seemed almost cross, and 
now you are laughing at nothing at all.” 

But her niece was spared an explanation by the sud- 
den apparition of a fairy-like form that flew into the 
room, stopped, cast down its eyes, and in subdued 
French accents faltered forth, — 

“ Pardon, mesdames ! I knew not that you were 
engaged ; I will retire myself.” 

Looking almost childish beside Kate, but in reality 
several years older, Pauline Bertrand was indeed a 
very charming brunette. Bright and sparkling in ex- 
pression, she just escaped being extremely pretty, and 
would have been so altogether but that the small, 


24 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


pointed chin curved a trifle too much to meet the 
aquiline nose, and the red lips were straight and 
thin. 

Shortly before Kate “ graduated” from the fashion- 
able school in New York where she was supposed to 
have completed her education, Pauline was accepted 
as an assistant teacher. On leaving the school, Kate, 
who had become much attached to the cheerful, patient 
little Frenchwoman, and also wished to continue the 
study of French and music, induced Mr. Loring to 
offer ^Pauline a home with them. And as Mile. Ber- 
trand had no possible reason for refusing an increased 
salary with merely nominal duties, for two years past 
she had been as one of the family. 

“Don’t go, Pauline!” said Kate, presenting Carring- 
ton, who, as he met the large, infantile eyes that were 
unveiled for an instant as Pauline courtesied, thought, 
“ Good heavens ! If these girls are specimens of what 
I am to meet, farming in Riverdale is likely to prove 
more exciting than I supposed.” 

“ You must be fond of riding, Miss Loring. If I 
don’t mistake, I saw you out yesterday, too, as I came 
from the station.” 

“ Yes, I’m wild about it ! Only my friend Pauline 
doesn’t ride, and auntie insists on my not going alone, 
so I have to take Thomas, our fat coachman, and that 
makes it rather slow. To-day, though, I had Mr. 
Ellis’s society.” 

“I have made up my mind to keep a saddle-horse,” 
said Carrington, to whom the idea had just presented 
itself ; “ and hope you will let me take Thomas’s place 
sometimes — of course, with no intention of interfering 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


25 


with Mr. Ellis.” He was himself a little annoyed as 
this last remark escaped him. 

“ Mr. Ellis rarely favors me, so that I shall be 
pleased to exchange Thomas for Mr. Carrington,” 
Kate answered, coolly. “But Em afraid you won’t 
play the groom well ; I think I see in you a liking 
for conversation, and that would be highly improper, 
you know.” 

“ That ought not to be a drawback to you, my dear,” 
said Miss Morton, not missing an opportunity ; “ for 
the way you rattle on sometimes is most surprising.” 

“ I shall be content with any restrictions you may 
impose, and will keep at the regulation distance be- 
hind — until you call me alongside,” said Carrington, 
with sufficient meekness, as he rose to go. 

“Come and drink tea with us to-morrow evening, 
Henry,” Miss Morton said; “and Ell ask Dr. and 
Mrs. Hildreth to meet you.” 


3 


CHAPTEB IV. 


On the following morning, Mrs. Hildreth and the 
doctor were at the breakfast- table ; the latter, appar- 
ently, deep in the pages of a medical journal while 
crunching his toast, but in reality listening with 
strained attention to the sound of the sugar dropping 
into his wife’s cup. Without actual stipulation be- 
tween them, it had come to be understood that in con- 
cession to old habits the doctor permitted four lumps 
to pass unnoticed, but that number once exceeded, he 
was at liberty, should he feel so inclined, to deliver 
his lecture on “the utter folly of undermining one’s 
constitution by the excessive use of saccharine foods.” 

Now it so happened that on this particular occasion 
Dr. Hildreth was in pressing need of an outlet for his 
feelings, which had been wounded the night before by 
the offensive rejection of some well-meant advice ; the 
unaccountable refusal to acknowledge the constraint we 
are obliged to exercise on our disinclination to busy 
ourselves in other people’s affairs, always seeming to 
leave a singularly poisonous sting. 

The doctor had met Mr. Brown, the well-to-do 
owner of an outlying farm, and after a slight exchange 
of meteorological small-coin, had parenthetically re- 
marked, — 

“Look here, Brown! you seem to be bringing up 
26 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


27 


that boy of yours in a loose sort of way. If you don’t 
take care, he’ll go to the dogs !” 

To which Mr. Brown, who was rapidly following 
in the footsteps of his offspring, and who, even at that 
early hour of the evening, had attained to a high state 
of exaltation, retorted, with slow and stinging em- 
phasis, — 

“ Look y’ere, Dr. Hildreth, you jest take my ’dvice 
an’ tend to yer own business ! Yer nothin’ more ner 
less than er meddlesome old woman ! That’s jest my 
’pinion, an’ I guess you’ll find it’s jest ther ’pinion of 
every man, woman, an’ child in Riverdale.” 

N ow this was, of course, only an excessive use of 
the figure known as hyperbole, and in cooler moments 
would have been disowned by Mr. Brown himself. 
But nevertheless, such is the weakness of human na- 
ture that, although conscious of innocence, the doctor, 
as he turned the leaves of his magazine in an ab- 
stracted manner, was longing to hear that unmistak- 
able noise which was to tell him a fifth lump had 
fallen. It came! It is impossible to say why. Mrs. 
Hildreth should have been unhappy enough to choose 
this especial morning for an extension of the “ Boun- 
dary Question,” and it may even be that, in entire 
absence of mind, a desire long-denied was gratified by 
this use of five, nay, more lumps of sugar. For as the 
doctor, with sparkling eyes, glanced furtively towards 
his wife, to hfs amazement he saw her hand extended 
but to return with a sixth. As it fell, so fell the doc- 
tor’s fist with startling emphasis on the table. 

“ Mrs. Hildreth ! when I married you, do you sup- 
pose I was aware that I was uniting myself to a 


28 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


woman utterly given up to her depraved tastes? 
Don’t you suppose, Mrs. Hildreth, in marrying you 
I hoped to find a helpmate? Instead of having to 
struggle along through life, as I do, under a worse 
burden than Sindbad. Answer me, madam ! Ah, you 
may well feel ashamed !” the doctor said, trying to 
peer around the colfee-urn behind which his wife was 
ensconced. But that good lady, thinking the worst 
over, and in any event determined to enjoy the spoils 
of war since she had endured its penalties, now poured 
out her coffee and proceeded to drink it, without 
vouchsafing an answer. 

“ Confound it, madam ! do you suppose I am 
trifling? Don’t you suppose it’s a harrowing sight 
to me to see you rapidly sinking into a state of leth- 
argy from want of exercise and over-indulgence in 
your vicious tastes? To see the stealthy advance of 
that retrogression which is rapidly carrying you to- 
wards the earliest and most inanimate forms of animal 
life ?” As the doctor talked, he became conscious that he 
did it exceedingly well, and that there was something 
astounding in his command of language ; and, losing 
the sense of personality in his attack, began to wish, 
inwardly, that he had some more appreciative auditor. 

“ That’s Irish grammar, you know, Frank. There 
can’t be advance and retrogression at the same time 
in the same person,” said Mrs. Hildreth, with a fat 
chuckle, and suddenly beaming from behind her place 
of refuge in unexpected criticism. If the doctor had 
had his ears boxed he could not have been more sur- 
prised, and it was in a much lowered tone and in a 
fine vein of sarcasm that he rejoined, — 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


29 


“ I am not to be diverted from my purpose because 
you wish to stop to split straws. Quibbling is a very 
poor kind of argument, let me tell you, Mrs. Hildreth. 
Of course, it must be a matter of perfect indifference 
to a person of your indolent nature ; but I can assure 
you it’s not a pleasant prospect to me to think I shall 
soon be obliged to face every day a polypus seated at 
the head of my table.” 

“ I do wish you wouldn’t say such unkind things. 
Wliat does it mean, doctor?” she said, uneasily, for, 
though used to being classed under various natural- 
history headings, there was something not to her liking 
in the feminine sound of this unknown epithet. 

“ Mrs. Hildreth,” he answered, now quite himself, 
and lolling comfortably with his hands in the pockets of 
his dressing-gown, “ you often remind me of a story told 
by Southey — Southey the poet and that sort of thing — 
of an old woman who said, on being informed that 
Frederick the Great was dead, ‘Is a ! Is a ! The Lord 
ha’ mercy ! The King of Prussia ! and who’s he ?’ ” 

“Come, come, doctor, I’m younger than you if it 
comes to that !” Mrs. Hildreth answered, somewhat 
more tartly than usual, and strangely missing the point 
of the story. 

But her husband only cast his eyes upward and said, 
presumably addressing some unseen auditor, commonly 
supposed to be suspended from the ceiling in interested 
attendance on such occasions, — 

“ Hid you ever hear anything like that ? Why were 
they made so ?” 

The doctor went on with his breakfast ; but after a 
short silence, again began, — 

3 * 


30 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


“ Looking at this matter dispassionately, Mrs. Hil- 
dreth, did it ever occur to you that we are a very ill- 
assorted couple? How was it I came to marry you, 
knowing as I did that I should need the ready sym- 
pathy of a large and well-balanced mind ? My own 
nature and tastes remain unchanged, but yours must 
have altered. Yes, it seems to me I remember — indis- 
tinctly of course — that you were at times surprisingly 
bright, — after all, it could only have been a sort of 
ignis-fatuus luring me into a dismal swamp. Mrs. 
Hildreth, I have little hesitation in saying to you — be- 
tween ourselves of course — that if I had had my full 
swing, and had been able to get out all that was orig- 
inally put into me, you would have reason to be proud 
of the day you married me.” 

“And suppose you had your fine woman with her 
large mind, wouldn’t she be taken up too with her f 
science, and quarrelling to see which knew the most 
about it, instead of attending to her housekeeping?” 
Mrs. Hildreth was certainly jealous of this oft-evoked 
phantom. 

“ You wouldn’t find her, either, listening to your 
talk as I do by the hour together. Not but what I 
like to hear you, Frank; and I am proud of you just ' 
as you are ; but you ought not to talk to me that way, 
because there was a time you thought me pretty and 
nice. Do you remember the day we first met, doctor 
dear ?” 

“No, Mrs. Hildreth, my memory is good, but not ! 
phenomenal. To please you I should like to remem- 
ber that interesting event, but, to be honest, I can’t. , 
However, you are substantial evidence that we did 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


31 


meet; and after all, as wives go, you do very well, 
Susan, very well; and I don’t know that I should 
say I altogether regret my youthful rashness. Your 
intentions are good, and if you would only adhere 
rigidly to the mental and physical regimen I have 
prescribed for you, in time I may be able to pull you 
out of the slough your blindness to your own welfare 
has led you into.” 

Mrs. Hildreth, much encouraged by this approval, 
mentally resolved to be brighter in future, and open- 
ing a note that lay beside her plate, announced that 
Miss Morton invited them on that evening to meet 
Mr. Carrington. 

“ Shall we go, Frank ?” she asked. 

“Of course,” the doctor replied, rising. “We are 
not so overwhelmed with new people that we need as- 
sume an indifference we don’t feel towards them. 
And then I understand he’s going to settle here and 
work the farm. I like to encourage any young man 
who shows a fondness for grubbing, — it proves to me 
he has something of the old Adam left in him.” 

“How is it you never took to farming, Frank?” 
queried Mrs. Hildreth, in furtherance of her intention 
to be bright. Her husband, with infinite scorn on 
every feature, said, coldly, — 

“ I trust that nothing I may have said has given 
you the impression that I admire that style of thing, 
Mrs. Idildreth. I would rather have you stiller than 
the Sphinx than twittering around me with would-be 
smartness of that kind.” 

He turned to the window, and his wife, desirous of 
diverting his thoughts, said, reflectively, — 


32 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


“ I hope he will prove a nice young fellow, for 
Kate’s sake.” 

“ For the Lord’s sake,” exclaimed the doctor, wheel- 
ing around, “ don’t misrepresent your own sex in that 
way ! Why should Kate Loring, who could have had 
her pick of the men she met for two winters in New 
York, be spoken of as if she was going a-begging, and 
had to put up with the first fellow that comes along to 
Kiverdale ?” 

“ Now, doctor, you know I didn’t mean that !” Mrs. 
Hildreth rejoined, with spirit. “Kate is a great favor- 
ite of mine, and I don’t think any man good enough 
for her !” 

But as usual, on the rare occasions on which she 
stood to her guns, the foe disappeared. And her hus- 
band, as he went out, jerked over his shoulder a last 
word of remonstrance. 

“ Susan, I hope for my sake, if not for your own, 
when you put off that thing ” — meaning the wrapper in 
which she commonly shrouded herself for the greater 
part of the day — “ you’ll be particular and see there 
are no rips in your dress before this evening.” 




CHAPTER V. 


Miss Loring was by no means under arms as she 
swept into the drawing-room shortly before the arrival 
of the guests, and stopped for a moment in front of the 
pier-glass. To be sure, while dressing, she had felt a 
slightly-added interest in the operation ; had even for 
an instant wavered between a light silk and the black 
one, with its knot of old lace at the throat, in which 
she now appeared. But then Mr. Carrington’s person- 
ality had in no wise affected this choice (this statement 
may seem of doubtful value in view of the still un- 
solved riddle : for whom do we dress ?), and, possibly, 
had Dr. and Mrs. Hildreth alone been expected, the 
same effects would have been produced. “ It would 
certainly be pleasant,” thought Kate, as she moved to 
the fire and stood, with fingers interlaced, looking down 
into the blazing logs, “ to have this Mr. Carrington 
ride with her and be at the house occasionally, though, 
of course, most of his time would be given to his farm; 
and perhaps, who knows? he might take a liking to 
Pauline. For her own part, she didn’t think she 
should ever marry, men were so changeable and arbi- 
trary. It was all very well to read about in poetry 
and novels, but in real life it was a very different 
thing. To be sure she had thought once — but that 
was when she was younger — that she might some time 
b* 33 


84 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


or other meet a man who would prove all she could 
wish; to whom she might tell everything, — not, of 
course, as one does to another woman, — and who 
would be a real, true friend and be interested in all she 
thought and did. A man to whom she could turn in 
any event ; who might differ from her, perhaps, but 
only as one does sometimes from one’s self when in 
another mood — ah! But did he exist?” With that 
her head bent forward until it touched the pretty 
hands clasped and resting on the mantel. There must 
have been something expressive in the abandonment 
of the attitude. For even Carrington, who had been 
admitted unheard and now stood in the doorway, 
though unable to see her face, felt as if a current of 
thought on which he had been unconsciously borne 
towards their next meeting had suddenly vanished, 
leaving him at the goal, certainly, but with an un- 
pleasant sense of shock. The check he experienced 
was a revelation to himself. Not that any airy struc- 
ture had crumbled, — indeed, he had wondered at times 
through the day that he could not remember exactly 
how she looked, and had even smiled as he thought of 
his own unimpressibility, — but only that any short ex- 
cursions into a future, apparently to consist of riding 
and other pleasant interludes in the humdrum of farm- 
life, had not shown him the shadow of another man 
between them. 

Though the rapidity with which Kate recovered 
herself was marvellous, as with one hand she took a 
fan and with the other lightly touched the braids of 
her chestnut hair, still she felt annoyed lest she should 
have been too late and would be thought to have been 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


35 


posing. There was enough, then, in their minds to 
make the meeting a shade less cordial than had been 
intended on both sides. As they stood by the fire, 
Carrington, with a vexatious consciousness of nothing 
to say, began rather lamely, — 

“ I picked up a horse to-day, Miss Loring, that I 
think may do well enough.” But now beginning to 
feel that it had been a foolish proceeding, — so late in 
the season, and there evidently being some one else 
with whom she might prefer to ride. 

“Ah, indeed?” she said, a little carelessly. “You 
have been expeditious. But I am afraid the cold 
weather will soon put a stop to any riding.” 

“ But there must be many days through the winter 
when one could get out ?” 

“Yes,” Kate assented, doubtfully, “if you don’t 
mind getting dreadfully splashed. You know our 
country roads are something fearful, unless they are 
frozen stiff, and then it’s too cold to be comfortable.” 

“I hope, though, you will be tempted out some- 
times,” he continued, annoyingly conscious that the 
evident necessity of making conversation was inducing 
him to show more interest in the affair than under the 
circumstances seemed quite fitting. 

“ Possibly by that time we shall have had enough,” 
Kate answered. But seeing that he had espied the 
opening for a compliment, and was about to make use 
of it, she interrupted him with, “ And then my aunt, 
Mrs. Potter, my father’s sister, you know, always likes 
me to be with her as much as possible, and so I shall 
probably be in town a great part of the winter.” 

“ Ah ? That must be a pleasant change for you,” he 


36 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


said, feeling that even Riverdale had its drawbacks, 
and thinking it might be well to take rooms in the 
city, join a club, and not be too dependent on local 
surroundings. 

It was a relief to both that Mr. Ellis was now 
shown in. As he advances with an air compounded 
of shyness, struggling self-conceit, and annoyance at 
sight of a stranger, a few words will describe him. In 
early life, having embarked in a commercial venture 
by which he had been slightly nipped, Samuel Ellis 
thenceforth shrank from further contact with a grasp- 
ing business world, and studiously devoted himself to 
the exclusive care and nurture of Mr. Ellis and a neat 
patrimony. 

Not but that he would gladly have married had his 
sense of the awkwardness of telling one’s love been 
less at the critical moment, or after-thoughts of the 
many sacrifices to be made been less effectual in cool- 
ing his ardor. Forty years have sounded, and still 
the plump figure strains in tight-fitting cutaways, and 
still the gorgeous cravats attract a glance to the florid, 
hairless face above. Having ample leisure, and being 
conscious of deficiencies in the direction of taste and 
imagination, Mr. Ellis has made certain efforts to place 
himself on a level with the best in this respect. But 
art of any kind is an inexplicable mystery to him ; 
its terms meaningless, and a suspicion of humbug at- 
taching itself to those assuming to find true pleasure in 
what is to him but a myth. And yet glibness of phrase 
on this subject is not altogether despicable, as placing 
one well with the world. Accordingly, when pressed 
for an opinion, Mr. Ellis reverts to a short acquaint- 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


37 


ance with the old masters as sufficient reason for 
disbelief in modern painting, and criticises music 
from the stand-point of a musician, on the strength 
of owning a cornet, from which, when feeling quite 
himself, he can, with good luck, produce lugubrious 
sounds. 

Although Kate Loring is at present the shrine be- 
fore which he avowedly bows, the fact is of little real 
significance. For so deep are his matrimonial designs 
that this may be but a circuitous means of approaching 
Pauline Bertrand, whose society he would greatly af- 
fect were it not that alarm is constantly excited by the 
responsiveness of her manner. 

Twiddling a rose between finger and thumb as he 
recovers himself from affectionately squeezing Miss 
Boring’s hand, and nodding shortly to Carrington as 
they are introduced, he begins: “Ah, Miss Kate, the 
fact is I brought this flower all the way from home in 
hopes •” 

“I would take it? Certainly,” Kate answered, 
holding out her hand as she spoke. 

“ No — yes, if you want it. But the fact is I thought 
after our ride yesterday you would put it in my coat ; 
that would be so nice, you know.” Had they been 
alone Mr. Ellis would have been promptly snubbed, 
but merely saying, — 

“ I don’t see the difference between yesterday’s ride 
and many others we have taken, though I have no ob- 
jection to do as you wish,” Kate began to look for a 
pin, but none seemed forthcoming. Mr. Carrington, 
with much suavity, offers one that he finds on the 
mantel. 


4 


38 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


“ Allow me to be of some slight assistance in adorn- 
ing Mr. Ellis.” 

“No, thank you, I’d rather not,” returns that gen- 
tleman, drawing hastily back and looking dangerous. 

“ Oh, just as you please,” says Miss Loring, in her 
turn a little provoked at both the men, and desirous of 
ending the scene. “ Do you wish your flower, Mr. 
Ellis?” And as. his hand moves reluctantly out the 
rose falls between them. 

At this moment there came a violent ring at the 
door-bell, and saying, — 

“ That’s the doctor’s ring. Pray excuse me. I had 
better open the door myself, as he doesn’t like to be 
kept waiting an instant,” Kate left the room and closed 
the door. 

“ Sorry to be so late, Kate, but my wife was in rags, 
as usual, when I came to look at her ; so I had to send 
her up again to change her clothes.” 

“ The others have only been here a few minutes, and S 
I don’t believe supper is ready yet, so you needn’t have ■ 
hurried.” 

“Oh, he is here, is he? And how do you like him, i 
Kate?” Dr. Hildreth continued, in his somewhat strident \ 
voice. 

“ Hush !” she answered, indicating by a gesture that j 
Carrington might be within hearing. 

“ Rather early, I suppose, to ask yet, eh, Kate ?” said | 
the doctor, with an audacious smile. 

“Now, doctor, please don’t forget that we are al- 
most strangers to him and make any foolish re- 
marks,” pleaded Kate, in a low tone, and feeling that 
the evening might prove more exciting than she had 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


39 


bargained for. Her petition being likely to have as 
much effect on Hr. Hildreth, should the fancy seize 
him to disregard it, as the hazel-bushes planted by 
French peasants in their fields avail to keep off the 
dreaded hail. 

“ Well, we’ll see about it, Kate. Possibly, if you 
don’t incite my wife to rebellion, I may not feel obliged 
to continue the subject. But, Mrs. Hildreth, as I be- 
lieve we were not invited to spend the evening in the 
hall, would it be too much to ask of you to move up- 
stairs, if you have occasion to do so ?” The excessive 
politeness of this request, being in the nature of a slight 
galvanic shock to prepare Mrs. Hildreth, lest an ab- 
’ rupt transition to that elaborate courtesy which the 
;l doctor deemed it desirable to show his wife before new- 
| comers might excite a too evident surprise and prove 
| an annoyance to the operator. 

“ Let me take your things up, Mrs. Hildreth,” said 
! Kate, as that lady still breathed heavily after her ex- 
ertions. ' 

It being a pleasing habit of the doctor’s, on the score 
that she needed more exercise, to pass an arm through 
his wife’s and urge her to his topmost speed, Mrs. Hil- 
I dreth presently breaking into a gentle amble, which 
shortly reduced her to a state of exhaustion. As this 
1 eccentricity of the doctor’s had not been confined to 
the night season, it at first caused immense amusement 
to the unoccupied Kiverdalian. But, for the encourage- 
ment of those who may be pursuing an object which 
seems to them good, under adverse criticism, it should 
be said that, if noticed at all, such an occasion would 
now be spoken of simply as “Miss Hildreth takin’ her 


40 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


airin’ the doctor’s instrumentality in the matter 
being apparently ignored, or else given a passing 
thought, as to the paddle-wheel of a steamer seen broad- 
side on. But as this would presuppose another Dr. 
Hildreth on the other side, — a manifest impossibility, 
— the idea must be abandoned as too imaginative, and 
leaving only the bare fact that his indicated horse- 
power was largely in excess of his wife’s. 

“ No, I’d rather go up myself — if you will go with 
me, Kate,” Mrs. Hildreth answered, using diplomacy ; 
for she was anxious that any casual dismemberment of 
apparel, since her husband’s scrutiny, might be rem- 
edied by Miss Loring’s expert fingers rather than by 
her own more clumsy ones. 

“ Shall I go in with you, doctor, and introduce you 
to Mr. Carrington ?” Kate asked. 

The doctor, disdaining an answer, opened the door 
and stalked in. Carrington, resting an elbow on the 
the mantel, and apparently gazing intently at the fire 
while throwing out some disjointed remarks on the 
weather, was watching Mr. Ellis with great amuse- 
ment. Determined to have his flower, but unwilling 
to bring himself to grovel before one whom he already 
looked upon as a foe, and wholly unable to bend, Mr. 
Ellis, as he thought himself unnoticed, ever and anon 
sagged stiffly downwards in hopes of recovering it ; but 
Carrington, by slightly turning his head from time to 
time, always brought him with a start to an upright 
position. This manoeuvre was just in course of repe- 
tion as Dr. Hildreth entered. 

“Holloa, Ellis! going into training? That’s right; 
work the knees well, they always weaken before the 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


41 


rest of the body !” And then, holding out his hand to 
Carrington, — 

u How d’e do, Mr. Carrington ? I suppose two 
sensible men who know each other’s names don’t need 
any other introduction.” 

“ Certainly not,” said Carrington, shaking his hand 
cordially. “ And then I’ve heard a good deal more 
of you than your name. For every one I meet in 
Riverdale speaks of Dr. Hildreth as a man worth 
knowing.” 

“Well, I have certainly taken an interest in the 
place, though I’m surprised they remember it. For 
the more you do for people the more ungrateful they 
are,” he answered, with a lively recollection of Mr. 
Brown’s disrespect of the night before, and using a 
much-worn form to express it. But at the same time 
thinking that “this long-legged animal promised to be 
rather a pleasant fellow.” 

“ Well, Ellis, what’s the matter? You look swollen. 
What’s this, — a rose on the floor ? Whose is it? Ah! 
I see ; you’re trying to pick it np. Ellis, give you five 
cents if you do it at all ! — give you a quarter if you do 
it without bending your knees !” 

“ Come, come, Dr. Hildreth, a joke among friends is 
all very well, but I don’t like it when there are stran- 
gers about,” answers Mr. Ellis, blushing prodigiously. 

“ Oh, never mind Mr. Carrington, we won’t make a 
stranger of him; he will have to get used to our little 
peculiarities. So ‘ Gather ye rosebuds while ye may, 
old Time is still a-flying.’ If you don’t do it now, 
you never will again, you know. Come, make a de- 
termined effort before the ladies come in.” A nd rub- 
4 * 


42 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


bing his hands with delight, the doctor enjoyed the 
confusion of his ruffled victim. But the entrance of 
Miss Morton, who had just finished an inspection of 
the table arrangements and now appeared with Mile. 
Bertrand, put an end to the scene. 

Carrington, having had the sensation of being slightly 
rasped in his short conversation with Kate, was in the 
mood to find Pauline’s somewhat timid manner of 
addressing him not unpleasant, and to feel a wicked 
pleasure in seeing her long eyelashes droop before his 
steady gaze. 

“ Is not Kate — Miss Loring — beautiful ?” she asked, 
after a little of this sort of thing, and raising her splen- 
did eyes to meet his. 

“ Yes, I think Miss Loring might almost be called 
so.” 

“ Almost? What excellence of standard in beauty 
must be then yours !” was the reply, as she again made 
fine practice with her eyes and spoke with a fascinating 
accent, but, as is usual with French people, straining 
after an idiome and missing it. 

“ It is indeed very seldom realized,” he answered, 
not disinclined to flatter her by a slight depreciation 
of the other girl, and not unsuccessfully trying to look 
as if he now saw for the first time a near approach to 
his ideal. Pauline showed that she accepted the com- 
pliment by sundry pretty little motions of the head 
and shoulders, as of a bird preening herself. While 
glancing towards Mr. Ellis, who, shifting his weight 
uneasily from one foot to another, was trying to evade 
Dr. Hildreth’s attacks and at the same time have an 
eye to the bold marauder who so blithely trespassed 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


43 


on his preserves, Mile. Bertrand began to think seri- 
ously whether it would be endurable to “ range” her- 
self for life in Riverdale. For, certainly, opportunities 
seemed to multiply themselves. 

Mrs. Hildreth and Kate now came in, and as the 
party was complete, at Miss Morton’s request they all 
moved into the other room. 


CHAPTER VI. 


After the first bustle consequent on serving tea 
and eatables had subsided, Dr. Hildreth said, half in 
earnest, — 

“ Without conceit, Mr. Carrington, though you will 
undoubtedly meet many nice people in Riverdale, I 
think I may safely say you see before you the cream 
of its society.” Mrs. Hildreth, who when with stran- 
gers imagined that the burden of conversation rested 
mainly on her own shoulders, was anxiously weighing 
the respective merits of various subjects that presented 
themselves, and had finally decided that “ Europe” — as 
being easy to start in and taking a long time to get 
through with — could be handled with the greatest suc- 
cess, now caught eagerly at the one word of the doctor’s 
remarks which mingled with her thoughts, and said, — 

“Yes, Mr. Carrington, it r s the best milk I ever 
drank, and only four cents a quart ! I suppose, though, 
you will keep your own cows, which is always an ad- 
vantage.” 

“ Mrs. Hildreth,” said her husband, in grave expla- 
nation, “you must have misapprehended the nature of 
my remark. I only use the word ‘ cream’ in its meta- 
phorical sense.” 

“In any sense, Mrs. Hildreth,” Carrington said, 
coming to the rescue, “ I can understand that the milk 
44 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


45 


which produces such cream — social or otherwise — is 
deserving of all praise.” 

He was rewarded for this virtuous action by a slight 
look from Kate, who, as she asked him for a biscuit, 
said, in an aside, — 

“ I am glad to see you stand up for the oppressed. 
I am afraid of the doctor, or I should myself.” 

“ I shall have to do double duty, then,” answered 
Carrington, in the same tone, and thinking it must 
have been the want of something to eat that made 
him feel so disgustingly before supper. 

“ Take care, Kate !” said the doctor, threateningly, 
though only half catching what had been said. But she 
merely looked defiance at him, and he then began a 
conversation with Pauline, who, by her attentions to 
Mr. Ellis, had brought him back to equanimity. 

“ Mrs. Hildreth, let me give you another cup ?” 
Miss Morton asked. And then, glancing wickedly at 
the doctor, “ Was it quite sweet enough ?” 

“ Miss Morton,” he interrupted, hastily, and by 
a look daring his wife to speak, “I beg you will 
not oversweeten Mrs. Hildreth’s tea ! I consider 
that she is under treatment, and that any interference 
with the course I have prescribed may be fatal to her 
health.” 

But his wife, feeling that she had the weight of 
public opinion on her side, said, placidly, — 

“ About two lumps more, dear, would make it ex- 
actly right.” 

The doctor controlled himself ; but meeting a sweet 
smile from Kate, he turned to Pauline, saying, in a 
stage aside, — 


46 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


“Kate looks very happy to-night, mamselle; what 
can the reason be ?” 

“ But Kate she always seem happy to me.” 

“Yes,” continued the doctor, “ but there seems to 
be a softened look about her face, as if some unseen 
influence was at w r ork. Watch her closely !” 

“ Ah, cher docteur, but you miss not to see every- 
thing ! ” Pauline replied, admiration in her tone, but 
not particularly pleased by what she did see. For 
Kate, wishing to divert Carrington’s attention from 
the doctor’s unpleasant observations on herself, had 
turned to him with, — 

“ But we didn’t arrange whep our first ride was to 
be, Mr. Carrington.” 

“ Pardon me, Miss Loring, but I fancied you were 
not especially anxious to have it take place,” he an- 
swered, with intentional directness. 

“Oh, you must have misunderstood me! I am 
looking forward to it with great pleasure! Do you 
know, Mr. Carrington, I think I must express my 
emotions very badly, for people tell me I’m looking 
cross when I feel particularly happy?” she said, in 
apology for past misdemeanors ; and it was the look of 
something very like admiration to be seen in Carring- 
ton’s face at the conclusion of this speech which made 
an impression on Pauline. 

“ Shall we say to-morrow afternoon, then, for the 
ride ?” Carrington asked, to which Kate assented. 

“ What’s that about riding, Miss Kate ? I thought 
we were engaged for every fine day,” said Ellis, from 
his end of the table. 

“Oh, dear, no! Only when it suited your con- 


DOCTOR HILDRETH . 47 

venience, you remember ; and so you must allow me 
to choose my escort.” 

"Well, I suppose old friends must go to the wall 
now,” he remarked, in a would-be jocose tone. “ But 
just remember, if your horse runs away again it won’t 
be my fault.” 

“As I’ve heard tell, Sammy,” said Dr. Hildreth, 
carelessly, “ it wouldn’t be your fault if Kate’s horse 
was running to this day — if she hadn’t pulled him up 
herself.” 

/‘Well, my horse was fidgety, and I had to stop to 
pick up my whip ” 

“ That lodged on the fence when you climbed to 
have a good look at the scenery while the cows went 
by.” 

“ Doctor, what did you think of Mr. Brewster’s ser- 
mon last Sunday ?” asked Miss Morton. 

“ Who told you that ? I know ; it was that young 
villain Jim Ryan, — -just because I had no change to 
give him for holding my horse !” 

“Really,” said Carrington, good-naturedly, “it seems 
to me Mr. Ellis did the best thing under the circum- 
stances. It isn’t every one has presence of mind enough 
not to chase a runaway ” 

“ Nor coolness enough to think of the beauty of the 
landscape at such a moment !” interjected the persist- 
ent doctor. All were now smiling but Mr. Ellis, who, 
unable to control himself, and visiting his wrath on 
the wrong person, said, coarsely, — 

“ Well, Mr. — ah — Carrington, I wish you well 
through your undertaking. It’s a dangerous business 
riding with young ladies, whatever way you look at 


48 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


it. If you’re not thrown from your horse, you’ll be 
thrown over for some other man sooner or later.” 
And this time by himself, Mr. Ellis laughed loudly. 

Kate was about to make a sharp rejoinder when 
she noticed how grimly Carrington’s face was set, and 
that he was intending to resent the speech himself. 
Fearful of what might follow, she bent forward and, 
unseen by the others, lightly touched the arm next 
her. Carrington obeyed the signal and restrained 
himself, but for a moment there was a pause in the 
conversation. 

. “ I am glad to hear you’re going to be with us for 
the winter,” said the doctor, at last. 

“My movements are very uncertain; but I shall 
probably be running back and forth between here and 
the city,” Carrington answered. 

“ Why, Henry, I am very sorry to hear that !” Miss 
Morton said. “ It must be that you are tired of us 
already. For you certainly said you were going to be 
here all winter.” 

“ I’m sorry too, for I had looked forward to having 
some pleasant chats with a man who has seen some- 
thing of the world. And then, too, it would have 
been nice for these girls to have some one dangling 
after them,” said Dr. Hildreth, resolved that Kate 
was escaping too easily. 

“I am very sure I shall never tire of you, Miss 
Morton, and so I shall be away as little as possible. 
And I’m good for as many chats as Dr. Hildreth will 
probably care for,” Carrington replied, with a smile. 
“But as Miss Loring tells me she expects to be in 
town for the winter, I don’t quite see how I am to 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


49 


dangle — as you put it — and at the same time spend all 
my time in Riverdale.” 

“ Where are you going to stay, Kate? Not with 
Mrs. Potter?” the doctor questioned, eagerly, and with 
a laugh that rang fiendishly in Kate’s ears. 

“ If I go, I shall stay with Mrs. Potter,” she said, 
a little coldly. 

“ Why, you told my wife that she was so unpleas- 
ant you wouldn’t be hired to go there again,” contin- 
ued her persistent adversary. 

“ I suppose I am at liberty to change my mind ?” 
she answered, saucily. 

“ There’s no doubt you will, my dear, whether you 
are at liberty to do so or not.” 

“ There, doctor !” Mrs. Hildreth said, with decision. 
And then, thinking the occasion demanded something 
of her, addressing herself to Carrington, who was feel- 
ing great contrition at his blunder, and, at the same 
time, pondering on the depths of a girl’s character, 
which it seemed useless for a man to attempt to 
fathom, — 

“ There’s a great deal to be seen in Europe, Mr. 
Carrington.” 

“ There is indeed, Mrs. Hildreth,” he said, abstract- 
edly. 

“Do you remember much of what you saw, Mr. 
Carrington ?” 

“ Yes, I think I remember almost everything of any 
importance that I saw,” he replied, still wishing he 
had held his tongue. 

“ How nice that must be ! It seemed to me there 
was more to see and learn in Europe than any one 


50 


DOCTOR HILDRETH . 


person could possibly remember/’ said Mrs. Hildreth, 
who, during three miserable months, had been hustled 
about by her husband, pelted with facts and figures 
until her brain, unaccustomed to such rapid action, 
fairly reeled, and finally settled into a state of torpor. 
And nihilism having been reached, she would have 
found it difficult to say how or when she had been 
brought home again. 

“ Your remark shows considerable discernment, Mrs. 
Hildreth ; but when two people, as in our case, see a 
country together, the probability is that very little es- 
capes them,” said the doctor, for politeness’ sake in- 
cluding his wife in his belief in the completeness of 
dual observation, but reflecting that there was no doubt 
of his being sadly hampered, at times, both in travel 
and conversation. 

Mrs. Hildreth, pleased that she had the doctor’s 
approval, and conscious that she was putting society 
under some obligations, continued the theme which 
seemed to take so well. 

“ In what country were you longest, Mr. Carring- 
ton ?” 

“ The greater part of my stay abroad was spent in 
France,” he answered ; and then, thinking to divert 
Mrs. Hildreth, who promised to become a little wear- 
ing, he addressed Pauline across the table, — 

“I quite forgot to ask from what part of France 
you were, Mile. Bertrand ?” 

“From Tours,” was the answer. 

“ Indeed ! Undoubtedly, then, we have some friends 
in common. Do you know the Mandats?” 

There was a perceptible instant of delay before Pau- 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


51 


line could apparently recollect whether or not she knew 
them. And when she said “ No,” in a dry tone, Car- 
rington was surprised to see how pale she had grown, 
as she again turned to address Mr. Ellis. He was 
about to mention the names of some other people, 
when a slight motion of Pauline’s arm sent a cup 
crashing to the floor. 

“ Mon Dieu !” she exclaimed, very much startled, 
and rising as she clasped her thin, nervous hands in 
despair. “Miss Morton, what awkwardness! and your 
own beautiful china, too ! What misfortune !” 

“Never mind, my dear; it couldn’t be helped. Now 
don’t look so frightened, or you will make everybody 
think me a dreadful scold,” the old lady said, kindly, 
but sorely hurt at the loss of one of a much-cherished 
set, which had been brought out to do honor to Car- 
rington. 

After they had returned to the drawing-room, Miss 
Morton proposed a game of whist, of which she and 
the doctor were passionately fond ; and, somewhat to 
Carrington’s disappointment, as Mr. Ellis declined to 
play, he presently found himself seated opposite Mrs. 
Hildreth. 

“Now, Mrs. Hildreth,” said the doctor, as he dealt, 
“will you kindly have the goodness to keepwell in 
mind the few simple rules I have taught you, and not 
allow your thoughts to wander to the absorbing cares 
of your household ?” 

“ I’ll do my best, Frank ; but Mr. Carrington mustn’t 
mind scolding me if I put down a wrong card,” his 
wife said, a little flustered, and laboriously sorting her 
hand. 


52 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


“ I play very poorly myself, Mrs. Hildreth, so you 
will have to overlook a great many mistakes on my 
part,” Carrington gallantly replied. 

Inwardly pitying their coming downfall, Dr. Hil- 
dreth, after restlessly drumming on the table, and in 
other ways showing signs of restrained impatience, 
said, finally, — 

“ I don’t wish to hurry you, Mrs. Hildreth, but you 
will perhaps take notice that the game can’t go on until 
you lead.” 

“Oh, is it my lead? I was waiting for somebody 
else to begin.” And after several times repeating the 
operation of allowing a card to nearly reach the table 
and then withdrawing it, to the accompaniment of a 
groan from her husband, as she tried to read approval 
on Carrington’s face, Mrs. Hildreth at last, in her agi- 
tation, let fall an ace, and the game began. 

With the luck that often attends poor players, Mrs. 
Hildreth and her partner, holding everything, blun- 
dered along carrying all before them. In vain the 
doctor “finessed” with desperation; the intervening 
cards were sure to be against him, and even Miss 
Morton, model of propriety though she was, so far 
forgot herself as, in the midst of a hand, to tax him 
openly with trumping her best card. The doctor was 
completely possessed by the bitterness of spirit so 
strangely evoked in playing a losing game, and, exas- 
perated by the undeniable truth of his partner’s charge, 
watched his wife eagerly, in hopes of a revoke. But 
Mrs. Hildreth, who was ordinarily much given to this 
pleasing variety to a game, managed to keep trium- 
phantly on her way. And when the doctor, thinking 


DOCTOR HILDRETH 


53 


lie espied his chance, fell on her and nervous y turned 
over the cards on the table, it was clearly shown that 
he was wrong, and, with a chuckle of satisfaction from 
Mrs. Hildreth, the game went on. 

After losing the rubber, it occurred to Miss Morton 
that some music would be pleasant, and as Pauline was 
going through various well-known operatic strains, 
Mr. Ellis turning her music, Carrington found oppor- 
tunity to make his peace with Miss Loring. Though 
he had come to the conclusion that it would be in 
better taste not to allude to his unlucky remarks on 
Kate’s intended visit to the city, there are many ways 
of showing contrition and as many of granting pardon. 
By the time Pauline had turned to ask Kate to take 
her place at the piano, both she and Carrington were 
looking forward to the next day’s ride with more 
eagerness than either would have cared to allow. Kate 
laughed at the idea of her voice being listened to after 
Pauline’s brilliant and well-trained soprano, and Car- 
rington was still urging her when Dr. Hildreth took 
up his position before them. 

“ What do you think of music?” he said, addressing 
Carrington in an off-hand manner. 

“ Eh ?” the latter replied, taken aback by the sweep- 
ing nature of the question. “ Oh, I see! Very nice 
indeed. I should say Mile. Bertrand sings very well.” 

“ Of course,” said Dr. Hildreth, with some impa- 
tience. “But, my dear sir, you surely can’t have 
reached your age without having some definite opin- 
ion on this important subject? I was speaking gen- 
erally, not of an individual case.” 

“Of music in general, sesthelhally considered?” 
5 * 


54 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


Carrington said, smiling involuntarily at the figure 
firmly planted before him and the earnest face looking 
down to read his inmost thoughts. “ Why, I think it 
a great benefit to the human race, of course, — softens 
the feelings, inspires to martial ardor ” 

“ But you must have a liking for some particular 
kind. Why, even Ellis over there swears by the 
Germans. Now, sir, do you like classical music ?” 
And the doctor bent a little as he eyed Carring- 
ton, as if his answer would settle some weighty 
question. 

• “ Yes, the more I heard of it on the other side the 
better I liked it. Unless you have tried it, doctor, 
you can hardly imagine the pleasure there is in taking 
your beer in company with good, sound music.” 

“ I don’t like beer !” said Dr. Hildreth, gloomily, as 
he straightened himself. “And Wagner?” 

It seemed to Carrington there must be some mean- 
ing in the sudden cough troubling Miss Loring at this 
moment. 

“Oh, there can’t be any question about him, I should 
think ! There is a freshness, a breeziness about such 
of his music as I’ve heard — Tannhauser, Fliegende 
Hollander, you know — quite captivating to me. And 
you’re just the man to appreciate it, Dr. Hildreth, I can 
see that already.” 

Miss Loring broke into a laugh, as the doctor, say- 
ing, “ I am sorry I cannot compliment you on your 
discernment, — I despise Wagner and his music!” 
turned disgustedly away. 

“You have fallen many degrees in Dr. Hildreth’s 
estimation,” she said. 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


55 


“ If I had only known ; bufc not necessarily in yours, 
I hope.” 

“Oh, that is not of so much importance,” she re- 
plied, flushing a little. 

“ You must let me decide that,” with some meaning 
in his voice. 

“ No, indeed ! Dr. Hildreth decides everything for 
us in Riverdale.” 

“Ah, if that is the case, I must try to reinstate 
myself in his good graces.” 

The party now broke up, and Carrington, after ac- 
companying Dr. and Mrs. Hildreth to their house, 
found himself alone with Mr. Ellis. 

“ You were suffering with a sad headache this even- 
ing ?” said Carrington, politely, as they walked on to- 
gether. 

“ No, I never have such things.” 

“Ah, a toothache, then? I can’t imagine anything 
more annoying.” 

“ No !” Ellis answered, sharply, but uneasily. 

“ What ! no excuse ready for so poor a show- 
ing ?” 

“I don’t know what you mean, Mr. Carrington. 
And I’ll thank you to — ah — yes — to attend to your 
own affairs !” 

“Ahem! that is your view of the matter, is it? I 
am sorry you force me to go further than I intended. 
The fact is, Mr. Ellis, if you don’t learn to control 
your temper in the presence of ladies, we shall have a 
more serious conversation than this. Of course, when 
we are alone you may say what you please, and I shall 
respond in fitting strains ; but if ever again you at- 


56 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


tempt to hurt a lady’s feelings through me, you will 
wish you had heeded this word of advice.” 

Though quietly said, there was something so deter- 
mined in the tone that fell on the other’s ears, that he 
answered hastily, though sulkily, — 

“ Oh, come, Mr. Carrington, we are not fire-eaters 
here, and I think you are making too much of the 
affair. Of course, if I hurt your feelings or Miss 
Kate’s, I’m not ashamed to say I’m sorry. But I’ve 
known her much longer than you have, and it does 
seem hard that a man can’t say what he pleases with- 
out interference.” He had gained a little in boldness 
towards the end of his reply, but Carrington did not 
appear to notice it, and, as he lit a cigar, said, — 

“Far be it from me to set any bounds to your con- 
versations with Miss Loring. And I should have no 
right to notice what passed this evening if you had 
not seen fit to make use of me to point your — what 
shall we call it, impertinence? — sarcasm ? — yes, sarcasm 
will do. And there, if it please you, is enough of a 
disagreeable subject. Now I’ll bid you good-night, 
Mr. Ellis. By the way, as we shall be running across 
each other all the time, I think it better to be civil, 
don’t you? Ah, yes, I thought you would take a 
sensible view of the matter. Look in on me when 
you find time. Good-night again.” 

And leaving Mr. Ellis doubtful of his own identity, 
Carrington walked rapidly homeward. 


CHAPTEB VII. 


The moon was shining faintly through the rack of 
clouds that, driven by some upper current stronger 
than the breath of air below, swept across her surface 
and seemed to lend their motion to her clear-cut edge. 
And here and there the stars showed through the rifts, 
while the water rippled against the rocks, making 
pleasant little noises. 

Carrington seemed to be in a reflective mood after 
his first experience of society in Eiverdale, for though 
the air came chill off the water, he sat down on a rock 
to finish his cigar. But this state of mind did not last 
long, and there was no apparent connection between 
the quiet peacefulness of the scene and the vehement 
way in which he sprang to his feet and broke out 
with, — 

“ Why, my good fellow, where are you running to? 
It strikes me you’re likely to make a fool of yourself.” 

He was about going in, when a noise in the direction 
of the barn caught his ear, and, remembering Mrs. 
Wright’s bitter complaints at the loss of her chickens, 
he stepped quickly into the house, and, taking a heavy 
handled riding-whip, went to the back door. Just as 
he neared the barn, a short figure opened the gate lead- 
ing to the poultry-yard, but, seeing Carrington, dropped 
the bag it was carrying and attempted to escape. But 
the pursuer’s long stride soon brought him within 
c* 57 


58 


DOCTOR HILDRETH . 


reach, and, seizing the thief by the collar, Carrington 
raised his whip and was about taking summary ven- 
geance. But some thought stayed his arm, — perhaps a 
feeling of general benevolence towards the human race, 
which seemed recently to have possessed his soul, or a 
sense of pity at the small cowering figure before him. 
The prisoner, after a sharp struggle, finding the use- 
lessness of further resistance to the strong arm that held 
him so tightly, submitted doggedly to be urged towards 
the house. Taking him into his library, Carrington 
shut the door and unceremoniously pushed his unwill- 
ing visitor into a chair. The boy, for such it proved 
to be, was plucky; for though, from the startled way 
in which his blue eyes glanced around the room as 
Carrington returned the whip to its place, he evidently 
expected some novel torture or punishment, there was 
no tremor in the firmly-closed lips. 

Now this was James B-yan, a sturdy, well-knit fellow 
of fifteen, fair-haired, pitted with the smallpox, well- 
dispositioned, and possessed of a mother who, by pre- 
cept and example, had early instilled * those virtues 
which, when carried to perfection, command the admi- 
ration of the world, but when restricted to the deple- 
tion of a neighbor’s poultry-yard are looked upon with 
perhaps undeserved contumely. 

Though his mother was a widow, James was not her 
sole support, Mike, his senior by two years, being her 
chief reliance in times of need. And, whereas James 
was often frivolously inclined to waste much time in 
social intercourse, Michael gave his whole life to the 
cultivation of an aesthetic taste for the true and beauti- 
ful, by the adornment of their lowly cabin with all 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


59 


such articles as were least likely to be missed by those 
whom a captious spirit would call their owners. 

Though, as may be supposed, Mr. and Mrs. Ryan 
were of Irish lineage, their son James had completely 
acquired the Riverdalian vernacular ; its acquisition 
seeming good to him, both as relieving him from the 
pointed satire of his playmates, who were disposed to 
think some odium attached to his native forms of 
speech, and as in some measure alienating him from 
Mike, whom he hated with a hatred born of many 
thrashings, and far exceeding the natural degree of a 
brother’s love. 

Carrington turned his back so that the boy should 
not see him smile, as the light brought to view the 
wildness of his look and the simplicity of an attire 
consisting of a rusty blue shirt and much-patched 
trousers. Feeling that if he wished to make any im- 
pression he must preserve his gravity at all hazards, 
Carrington was stroking his moustache while trying to 
begin his exordium, when there came a diversion in 
the shape of Mr. Wright, who, having heard their 
entrance, now put in his head, saying, with a dry 
chuckle, — 

“ He, he ! So you’ve got him, cap’n ? Lamm him, 
an’ when you’re tired I’ll take er spell.” 

“Shut that door, will you, Mr. Wright?” Carring- 
ton said peremptorily, and the door closed with such 
precipitation that an alarming doubt was suggested 
whether Mr. Wright had succeeded in withdrawing his 
head in time, while a feminine squeal that followed 
showed that Sarah Wright had been trampled on in 
his abrupt retreat. 


60 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


James Ryan was simply awestruck. It had never 
entered his head until now that a power could exist 
before which “Old Wright,” long the terror of preda- 
tory urchins, would bow, and it was with a heavy 
heart that he awaited his doom. 

“What is your name?” asked Carrington. It was 
not without a feeling that a being of such superior pre- 
rogatives should have known a fact so patent to all 
Riverdale as the existence of James Ryan that that 
personage answered. 

“ James Ryan,” Carrington went on, with due sol- 
emnity, “ I suppose you are aware I could thrash you 
within an inch of your life, and then send you to 
prison ?” 

“ Look hyer, cap’n, I’ll kim up ev’ry mornin’ fur er 
week an’ take er lickin’ ef yer don’t send me ter ther 
lock-up,” said Jim, much reduced in spirit at the idea 
of living at the public charge. 

“Do you never go to Sunday-school, James?” asked 
Carrington, conscious of a natural modesty at under- 
taking to reform a subject, perhaps already abandoned 
as hopeless by those in charge of that truly admirable 
institution. 

“ I went with some fellers oncet or twicet before last 
Chris’mus, an’ then they gimme er napple an’ er nor- 
ange; but th’ other fellers said ther’ warn’t ter be no 
more fest’vals till nex’ year, so my marm she said she 
warn’t agoin’ ter hev me waste my valible time, an’ 
p’raps hev ’em make er her’tic of me, ’nless they gim- 
me somethun fur ut.” 

“ Didn’t you learn anything while you were there, 
James ?” 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


61 


“Oh, yez !” said Jim, quite willing to humor this 
big man in his evident longing for conversation, and 
so create a diversion tending to distract him from that 
annoying idea of the lock-up. “ Miss Lorin’ she said, 
sence I lived by ther water I ought ter know some- 
thun ’bout what ther folks did ez lived there afore me. 
An’ so she tole me ’bout er feller named Jones, ez got 
eat by er wahul ; but I guess ’twas only ter make 
things kind er pleasant fur me. Fur I went up shore 
ter see some ther Joneses, an’ they tole me they guessed 
somebody’d be’n pokin’ fun at me, fur they reckoned 
they’d be’n ther ’bout ’s long ’s any other Joneses, an’ 
they hedn’t heard nothin’ ’bout sech ’n ercurrants.” 

“ Oh, so you were in Miss Loring’s class ?” Carring- 
ton asked, smiling at the story, but thinking it strange 
that any one could voluntarily quit so blissful a state, 
and looking at his captive with renewed interest. “ No, 
I didn’t mean about any stories you heard. But didn’t 
they tell you how wicked it was to take what belonged 
to another ?” By this time Carrington was conscious 
that he was rapidly qualifying himself for the position 
of Sunday-school teacher. 

“Miss Lorin’ said I wuz ter keep my han’s from 
pickin’ and stealin’. But when I tole my marm, she 
said I needn’t worry my head ’bout things my betters 
couldn’t mek out : how ’twas ther rich folks scraped 
together sech piles, an’ then wuz so down on er poor 
body ez tried ter mek er respec’able livin’. An’ then 
she batted me over ther head, an’ I ain’t be’n sence.” 

Carrington paced slowly up and down the room, and 
the boy, as he stopped talking, watched him closely, 
wondering what might next suggest itself to his captor 
6 


62 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


as a pleasing topic of conversation, and whether it 
would be possible to make a successful bolt for free- 
dom. He was just gathering himself for a spring to the 
door when Carrington suddenly halted in his march. 

“ James, how would you like to live with me?” he 
asked. 

Jim gasped a moment for breath. 

“ Guess yer jokin’, cap’n.” 

“No, I’m in earnest. You shall live here, and I 
will clothe and feed you, James Ryan, but on these 
conditions : I’ll put you on your honor never to touch 
a thing about the place unless you are told to ; that 
you’ll try and tell no lies, and that if you think you 
are going to do a wrong thing you’ll come and ask 
about it. Lastly, that you will be respectful to Mr. 
and Mrs. Wright, and try not to annoy them. Do 
you agree to the terms ?” 

“ Don’t I jest ! An’ saay, cap’n,” quavered Jim, who 
was really a tender-hearted little chap, as he dashed 
away a tear, “you’ve treated me real bully! Ain’t 
waled me nor nothin’. An’ I’m jest a-goin’ ter do ez 
yer tells me right along, there !” 

“ Shake hands on that, Jim.” So the ragged little 
fellow, with the fair hair drifting over his face, held 
out a small dingy paw, which was gravely shaken by 
the tall gentleman, in whose dark eyes was a merry 
twinkle. 

“Now, then, Jim, cut along home, and come to me 
in the morning. Be sure and tell your mother about 
it; I suppose she won’t object. And, by the way, as 
you pass the barn just put those chickens where you 
got them from.” 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


63 


“ Them chickens never’ll roost no more, cap’n,” 
Jim answered, penitently. 

“ I suppose you wrung their necks, eh? Never 
mind, then.” 

But Jim was overcome with remorse for the first 
time in his life, and was wholly unable to speak. 

"Well, we will say no more about it. But come, 
Jim, your mother will think you are drowned. Away 
with you !” 

And in a few moments the sound of oars told that 
the boy was paddling towards his home, — across the 
bay. 

Mr. Wright, having foddered the cattle on the next 
morning, was leaning over the pig-sty engaged in spec- 
ulation on the probable weight of the grunters within, 
when it occurred to him that as yet he knew nothing 
of Jim Ryan’s fate. There had been a savageness in 
the “ cap’n’s” tone and look which seemed to bode ill 
for the boy, and Mr. Wright was prepared to enjoy 
his breakfast the better for hearing that he had under- 
gone condign punishment, and was presently to be 
handed over to the constable. But turning towards 
the house, the sooner to be benefited by this slight 
fillip to a somewhat dyspeptic appetite, he stumbled 
over the bag dropped by Jim Ryan in his precipitate 
flight of the night before. 

“ Darn the critter !” quoth the farmer, as he opened 
the bag and saw the plunder within. “ I hope ther 
cap’n jest lammed him tell he couldn’t walk !” 

As he raised his eyes from this inspection he saw 
Jim, who had been an interested observer of the scene, 
standing near him. 


64 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


To say that Mr. Wright was astounded would feebly 
express “ the torrent of contending emotions that shook 
his very soul.” In short, if Jim Ryan — caught fla- 
grante delicto — had gone scot-free, it was time for an 
old New England farmer to quit an ungrateful world 
that rewarded the evil-doer and punished long years 
of virtuous actions by a cold neglect. With a sad 
sense, then, of doing his duty to the last, Mr. Wright 
stooped to pick up an imaginary stone, hurled it at 
Jim with pantomimic action, and said, “ Git !” in an 
explosive manner. 

• Jim, oppressed by a new-born sense of duty towards 
“old Wright,” and in friendly propitiation of his skill 
as a marksman, dodged as if the missile had indeed 
just grazed him, saying, — 

“Look hyer, Mr. Wright, there ain’t no fun in thet! 
Ef thet hed hit me in th’ eye you’d er felt kind er 
sorry !” 

“ No I wouldn’t, nuther ! Yer couldn’t hev seen in 
ther dark then. Corned arter yer bag, did yer ? Git, 
yer varmint !” 

“ No I didn’t, nuther ! Jest keep ther bag yerself 
ef yer want ut !” Jim answered, indignantly, and con- 
scious of a strain on his determination not to “ sass old 
Wright.” 

“Yer ain’t corned fur no good, anyways; an’ I ain’t 
a-goin’ ter hev yer hangin’ round ther place, nohow !” 
said the farmer, doggedly, but inwardly sure that time 
had yet some unpleasant revelation in store for h\n. 

“Ther cap’n, he gimme an invitation ter call on him 
this mornin’, an’ so I’ve kind er corned — kimed along 
up,” answered Jim, slowly, feeling that so eventful an 


DOCTOR HILDRETH \ 


65 


occasion demanded a more elevated and grammatical 
style, but thinking that the necessity of pausing to 
choose one’s words must, in high life, prove a sad 
check on the pleasures of general conversation. 

“Oh, ther cap’n wants yer, does he? An’ d’yer 
know what ther cap’n wants yer fur?” asked Mr. 
Wright, with an air of commiseration and with great 
deliberation, by this cunning manoeuvre gaining time 
to think of a scheme which might result in frighten- 
ing the boy away before Carrington’s appearance. 

“ Guess ther cap’n ull tell yer himself when he’s lied 
his breakfust,” Jim said, cautiously, not unaware of 
his superior position in case Mr. Wright knew nothing, 
but feeling a little uneasy at his solemn expression. 

“ Waal, I’ll jest tell yer how ther matter stands, Jim 
Ryan,” the farmer went on, slowly, as he shaped a 
toothpick as a slight aid to the imagination. “Ther 
cap’n, when he corned ter think it over this mornin’, 
was jest a-bilin’ over ; an’ he sez ter me, sez he, ‘ Mr. 
Wright, I don’t see but what we’ll hev ter send that 
boy ter ther lock-up,’ sez he. So, Jim, though maybe 
yer thenk I’m down on yer, I jest thought I’d give 
yer chance ter git clear before he corned along.” 

As he ended with this suggestive idea, Mr. Wright 
would not have been surprised to see James Ryan’s 
dilapidated clothing flutter in a breeze of its own cre- 
ating, as he disappeared in the direction of his mother’s 
cabin; but he was surprised to see Jim’s eyes fixed, 
apparently, on vacancy and a quick succession of ex- 
pressions chase each other over the boy’s face. At 
first there was evident fright, — this, of course, compli- 
mentary to the terrors of the highly-colored picture 
6 * 


66 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


the farmer had drawn, — but then, a wistful look was 
there, followed by a smile which gashed his face from 
ear to ear. Thinking the easiest way to arrive at a 
solution would be to look for himself, Mr. Wright 
casually glanced over his shoulder, and was transfixed 
to see Carrington within earshot. 

“Mr. Wright,” said a stern voice, “one of the con- 
ditions on which James Ryan comes here is, that he 
tells no lies ; I hope, in future, you will set him a good 
example !” 

The farmer choked for a moment over the tooth- 
pick he had inadvertently swallowed, in his fright, and 
replied, — 

“I jest thought I’d save yer er peck o’ trouble, 
by’mby, cap’n.” 

“ I’m much obliged for the intention, but prefer to 
guard against any troubles in my own way.” 

“ Waal, yer know, cap’n, yer can’t mek er silk 
puss out uv er saow’s ear,” Wright said, thinking to 
strengthen his position with a slight breastwork in the 
form of proverbial, and therefore not-to-be-despised, 
wisdom. 

“You are about the last person to need to assure 
me of the truth of that saying, Mr. Wright!” was the 
sharp reply, as Carrington, becoming annoyed at his 
pertinacity, swept ruthlessly over his defences. To the 
farmer there seemed more in this remark than at first 
met the ear ; but thinking it wise not to notice it, he 
tried to conduct his retreat with an appearance of good 
order, by saying, — 

“ I guess you’ve sot yer heart on hevin’ thet boy, 
cap’n, so I reckon other folks hed better shet up.” 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


67 


" Exactly ! And the sooner you make up your 
mind to accept the situation and behave decently to 
the boy, the better it will be for your interests. And, 
James Ryan,” he continued, thinking it well not to 
humiliate the farmer too much before the boy, and 
turning to Jim, who was obviously dilating with joy, 
with a suddenness that made him start, “ if I find Mr. 
Wright has good cause to complain of you, we shall 
part company in short order ! Now go into,the kitchen 
and ask Mrs. Wright for some breakfast, and then 
we’ll go up to the village and see about clothes.” 

Jim was in a blissful state of pride and awkward- 
ness as, attired in his new garments, — chosen with due 
regard to future growth, — he was allowed to bring the 
“cap’n’s mare” to the door on the same afternoon. 
And when that gentleman rode gayly away, Jim, aglow 
with gratitude, incontinently seized on everything in 
the shape of shoe-leather belonging to his benefactor, 
and attempted to bring it to a proper degree of glossi- 
ness. But the result was not proportionate to his zeal, 
and Jim was much cast down, after long labor on a 
refractory pair of well -greased shooting-boots, at hear- 
ing Mr. Wright remark, with a sniff of ill-concealed 
contempt, as he passed, “ Guess ther cap’n won’t be 
riled nor nuthin’.” 


CHAPTER V II I. 


As Kate was ready, no time was lost in starting; 
and after Carrington had experienced the pleasurable 
sensation of holding a dainty foot in his palm and 
tossing its owner with slight effort to the saddle, they 
trotted down the carriage-way and, wishing to avoid 
the village, turned to the left. In the first mile or 
two little of interest passed between them ; the remarks 
being chiefly on their horses, the beautiful weather, 
and their destination. But they finally drifted into 
the subject of hunting, and whether it was difficult to 
sit a horse in taking a leap. 

“ It depends very much, of course, on whether your 
horse is well trained ; but with a little practice there’s 
no great difficulty,” Carrington said, and then went on 
to mention several occasions during his life as a soldier 
when he had been saved from death or capture by the 
jumping powers of his horse. 

Kate was evidently fired by the recital, and seeing 
a low gate where the widening road gave room for a 
flying leap, reined in her horse, saying, — 

“ I’m going over that gate, so please give me a lead. 
That’s technical, isn’t it, Mr. Carrington?” 

“ Perfectly. But then you may come to grief, which 
is quite as much so.” 

“I’m not afraid of that, Mr. Carrington,” she re- 
68 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


69 


plied, gathering up the reins and backing her horse as 
far as possible across the road. 

u I never for one moment supposed you were. But 
let me advise you to first practise yourself and horse at 
a loose bar, and then a mistake won’t make any differ- 
ence.” 

" I am waiting for you, Mr. Carrington.” 
u Miss Loring, are you aware that if anything went 
wrong, I should be held responsible ?” 

“ Oh, if that’s all,” she answered, with sarcastic in- 
flection, “ allow me to assume the entire responsibility. 
In short, Mr. Carrington,” Kate continued, with grow- 
ing impatience, “ if you don’t lead the way I shall go 
over alone.” 

“ Permit me to say, Miss Loring, that while you are 
under my escort I shall neither lead the way nor allow 
you to jump that gate yourself. Afterwards, of course, 
you will follow your inclinations wherever they may 
lead you.” This was said with some bitterness and a 
stern expression on his face. 

u Indeed, sir ! And do you think I shall submit 
for one moment to your cool assumption of control over 
me ?” was the angry answer. To this he made no re- 
ply, but seeing that she was about to set her horse in 
motion, he touched his own with the spur and wheeled 
it directly across the gateway. Kate looked at him for 
an instant in angry amazement, and then, wrenching her 
horse’s head around, started at a gallop down the road. 

Carrington followed slowly behind, wondering 
whether she would stop before long, when, to his sur- 
prise, he saw her pull up, turn again towards the fence 
and attempt to clear it. But her horse was unused to 


70 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


the work, and, landing in a heap, sent Miss Loring 
over his head. Carrington was not long in reaching 
the spot, but Kate was already on her feet, and greeted 
him with a merry laugh. 

It should be said that it was a novel sensation to 
Kate Loring to be thwarted in anything she undertook 
to carry out. For after the lax discipline of her school- 
life was withdrawn she had done exactly as seemed to 
her best. Even Miss Morton had yielded to the fasci- 
nation she exercised, and seldom attempted more than 
a little gentle advice ; and her father, only too happy 
to please his bright, pretty daughter, was the most in- 
dulgent of wealthy American fathers. 

Her first feeling at Carrington’s interference had 
been one of intense exasperation and surprised annoy- 
ance. But this had now died away, and, her sweet 
temper reasserting itself, by the time Carrington had 
satisfied himself that neither she nor the horse had 
been damaged by the tumble, and had assisted her to 
mount again, she was in a very penitential mood. 
They rode on in silence for some minutes, until Kate, 
playing with her horse’s mane and looking down, 
said, — 

“ I see I shall have to say I was in the wrong.” 
And then, turning her face towards him, with a certain 
sweet stateliness, “ Mr. Carrington, I like and respect 
you for the stand you took.” 

“ Please don’t say any more. You rcmke me feel in 
what a bearish way I acted.” After the manner of men, 
regretting and trying to partly undo his handiwork. 

“ And while I am confessing my sins, I may as well 
say that I have no intention of going to the city this 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


71 


winter,” Kate continued, herself surprised at the mys- 
terious force which urged her to speak so frankly. 

“ I am heartily glad of it !” Carrington said, cor- 
dially, and thinking “ he would be hanged if he wasted 
his time lounging around clubs when he could be en- 
joying the fresh country air and ” 

“ In fact, I never had any idea of going. What do 
you think of that for a fib, Mr. Carrington ?” 

“ The doctor’s remark last night led me to very 
much the same conclusion. And if you wish to shock 
me, you must tell much worse fibs than that,” he an- 
swered, with a laugh. 

“ I haven’t the slightest intention, though, of telling 
you the reason why I made that rash statement,” she 
said, also laughing, and whipping up her horse. 

“ I did, for an instant, mentally accuse you of the 
crime of having a reason, but I have since seen fit to 
withdraw the charge.” 

“ Oh, then you are one of those who think women 
do very well without reasoning powers ?” 

“ Not at all ! I only regret that you so often find 
yourselves able to dispense with the use of a faculty 
you are, naturally, so abundantly endowed with.” 

“You are too flattering, Mr. Carrington, and cer- 
tainly very adroit in getting out of a dilemma. I 
foresee I shall have difficulty in putting you in the 
wrong, as you have succeeded in doing with me.” 

“ Miss Loring is evidently of so determined a char- 
acter that I at once resign myself to the inevitable and 
throw myself on her mercy,” he answered, with sus- 
picious meekness. 

“ That’s not the sort of victory I like. Both sides 


72 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


must be serious, and then there is some satisfaction 
in it.” 

“ From this moment, then, I begin the organization 
of a standing army of opinions on every possible sub- 
ject, and when you declare war, I hope to be fully 
prepared,” he replied, with mock earnestness. 

“ But you must not expect any formal declaration, 
for I shall take you by surprise, when you least expect 
it, as you did me,” Kate rejoined, with the very human 
desire of satisfactorily accounting for an unexpected 
defeat. 

• "In future, however, I shall use such gentle and 
persuasive means to accomplish my objects that you 
will imagine I am tamely following in your footsteps, 
therefore there can be no possible occasion for such 
conflicts.” 

“ No,” Kate said, shaking her head ; “ unless I see 
that dreadfully solemn look on your face, I shall sus- 
pect you right away. Do you know you frightened 
me dreadfully ? I have not been used to that sort of 
thing.” 

" I felt sure it would come to this before long,” Car- 
rington answered, with an air of resignation. “ Miss 
Loring, I hereby formally ask your pardon for any 
violence of speech or look displayed during our late 
unpleasantness. And, as for the forbidden expression 
of countenance, as I said, it is banished forever !” 

“ The pardon was granted before you asked, and as 
soon as I found myself leaving the horse’s back. But 
let me advise you, for your future guidance, Mr. Car- 
rington : when you have made a good impression, by 
firmness with a girl, don’t weaken it by an apology, or 






DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


73 


you must expect to see her attempt the same thing 
again. Now I’m really afraid I shan’t be able to re- 
sist that unfortunate gate on our way back/’ she said, 
laughing. 

“ If you are afraid you can’t resist temptation, why 
go back the same way ?” 

“ I don’t know that I should care to resist it.” 

“ Surely, we can’t have wandered back to that 
gate?” Carrington asked, despairingly. “ I leave it 
to the casual observer if my course hasn’t been fully 
justified.” 

u I don’t know where you will look for him, unless 
you take that crow flying over.” 

“ Very well, I accept the omen. If we hear from 
him at all, I shall translate his remarks in my favor,” 
said Carrington. And both looked up, half seriously. 
But the steady beating wings bore the crow onward 
until it was but a black speck against the blue, and 
presently was lost altogether, and still no sound had 
reached them. Kate looked at her escort inquiringly. 

“ Must it all be argued over again ?” he said. 

“ What else did you expect when you acknowledged 
you were wrong? Would you have a woman forego 
her advantage ? Now, Mr. Carrington, couldn’t I have 
taken that jump with perfect safety ?” 

“ Certainly, Miss Loring,” he replied, meekly. “ But 
in the light of recent events, I almost wonder you ask.” 
The satire of this remark might have served for a new 
grievance, but Kate, passing it by, kept to her text. 

“ You were wrong, then, in not allowing me to take 
it?” 

“ Without doubt! And, in future, I shall eagerly 
7 


D 


74 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


watch for every gate and attractive fence, in hopes it 
may take your fancy.” 

“ You seem tolerably sure of your future, or you 
speak as if you could shape it. How I wish every 
one could feel the same !” Miss Loring’s manner had 
suddenly become more subdued. 

“ Only as far as my own feelings and certain actions 
are concerned. When it comes to how they may be 
affected by others — though of course I may have my 
wishes — all is uncertainty.” 

There was some meaning in the way this was spoken, 
and Kate, with heightened color, avoided his eyes as 
she pointed ahead with her whip, — 

“ There lies our goal ! And now for a gallop !” 

A bridle-path, turning at right angles to the main 
road, led them through the twilight of a grove of 
stately pines, now unstirred by the wind, which seems 
to bear with it recollections of sea-sounds for their 
drowsy murmurings. They rode on over the soft bed 
of needles and into the sunshine again ; through fields 
of salt-grass, mingled with the brightly coloring sam- 
phire, and only reined in at the water’s edge. 

There, as when Carrington saw it on the day of his 
return, lay Long Island. A long strip of purple 
cloud just above the horizon, its eastern end broken by 
the haze and distance into many islets, which seemed 
about to float far off into sea or sky. The water 
washed gently to the horses’ feet as they stood sniffing 
and tossing their heads at its saltness, but hardly broke 
the brooding stillness of Indian summer, while the 
sound of voice and oar, a mile and more away, came 
floating through the golden silence to the shore. 


CHAPTER IX. 


After a few more rides, musical evenings, and 
talks, which seemed invariably to turn, however they 
might begin, on themselves, their past lives, and the 
like disguises in which sentiment finds pleasure in 
clothing itself, Kate Loring and Henry Carrington 
were, undoubtedly, very much interested in each other ; 
though Kate, not being quite sure of herself, avoided 
giving him any opportunity for open expression of his 
liking with that shy wariness which forms so impor- 
tant a part of a girFs equipment. And so successfully 
was this done, that a stranger would have thought 
it impossible there could be much real feeling be- 
tween them, so many were the subjects on which they 
disagreed, and so frequent the controversies resulting 
therefrom. But Miss Morton was well satisfied, and 
felt she had discharged all that duty required of her 
in mentioning Carrington in all her letters to Mr. 
Loring, and thus allowing him to draw his own con- 
clusions. 

It is not to be supposed that Riverdale looked on 
unmoved while these things were unsettled. And for 
some time the pleasure of announcing, contradicting, 
and reaffirming an engagement was enjoyed to its full 
extent, and remained the chief topic of conversation 
until a rumor spread abroad that Mrs. Tracy was about 
to give a party. After the death of her husband, who 

75 


76 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


may be remembered as the trustee of Carrington’s 
property, Mrs. Tracy had moved to Riverdale, where 
she was immediately classed among the 6lite. But 
about two years before the opening of this story she 
had, with a slightly superior air, taken leave of River- 
dalian society and with her daughters sailed for Europe 
and a market. 

It would be difficult to say why both Jane and 
Molly returned unmarried, since they were commonly 
spoken of as pretty and attractive; and possibly it 
came to be known that Mrs. Tracy was the sole repos- 
itory of the late Mr. Tracy’s modest fortune, and that 
it would be exceedingly unlikely she should hamper 
herself by parting with any large share of it. This 
explanation seems probable, in view of the popular 
opinion that Frenchmen, in marrying American girls, 
naturally look for an enlarged dot , which shall be a 
set-off to the extravagant tastes commonly ascribed to 
these young women ; and the Germans, as knowing it 
must be in lieu of much pipe-and-beer comfort to be 
lost to them in the endeavor to make our girls see the 
absurdity of a man adapting himself to his wife’s 
tastes instead of she conforming to his, with small loss 
of time. 

Mrs. Tracy showed no partiality to either daughter 
as together they wandered down the trout-stream of 
life. And since Jane, the elder, had lately been whip- 
ping a promising pool, with several encouraging rises, 
it was now Molly’s turn to take precedence of her 
sister. 

Mrs. Tracy would have preferred the city, though 
already a superfluity of brightly-hued attractions floated 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


77 


on its surface, both from the superior size of its game 
and the pleasure of landing in the presence of many 
other well-known lovers of the gentle craft. But the 
heavy cost of outfit in former seasons forbade this; 
and there was certainly a compensation in the possi- 
bility, which the tranquillity of Riverdale afforded, of 
devoting all one’s attention to the luring of a fas- 
tidious victim, unhurried, by the sound of approaching 
footsteps. 

Already, in her vivid imagination, had Mrs. Tracy 
pictured the surge that should follow the skilful turn 
of Jane’s delicate wrist, the subsequent play of gentle 
courtship, and the final flurry of the wedding. But 
even this, to be made a certainty, needed opportunity ; 
and when, in addition, the rumor reached her ears that 
Carrington — whom she destined for Molly, Mr. Ellis 
being unreliable — was showing increased attentions to 
Kate Loring, everything seemed to point to the neces- 
sity of giving a party. 

The unanimity with which every youth was shipped 
from Riverdale on a long voyage in search of the whale, 
of uncertain habitat and increasing scarcity, called For- 
tune, necessarily created a never satisfied demand for 
what seems to be looked upon as a distinct species, — the 
dancing man. Therefore, though much was done in 
the way of “teas” and small “companies,” and through 
their medium a pleasurable intercourse was maintained, 
so that no man felt that either he or his affairs were 
viewed with unneighborly neglect, parties were a 
rarity, and Mrs. Tracy’s invitations were accordingly 
received with a buzz of anticipation which in itself 
amply repaid her for any expense or trouble. 

7* 


78 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


Dr. Hildreth at first declined to consider even the 
possibility of his wife’s going, declaring that “ no 
woman spent more on her dress, but few were in such 
a state of dilapidation.” And it needed all Kate’s 
coaxing- powers, backed by the promise that she her- 
self would see that Mrs. Hildreth was presentable, to 
induce him to relent. It was at length arranged that 
the doctor and his wife should stop on their way to 
Mrs. Tracy’s, and that Kate would undertake the 
finishing touches, which were to make Mrs. Hildreth 
in all respects a pleasing object to the eye. 

Mrs. Tracy only differed from the common — and to 
many the pleasing — belief that conversation as a fine art 
has gone from us, in thinking that much of its skilled 
use still lingered with herself. But it could not be said 
that, either in Biverdale or on her travels, she had met 
with that encouragement which, it might almost be 
said, from selfish motives we so often extend to the 
delusions of others. But self-estimation is a tap-root 
not easily or lightly to be tampered with, and, in Mrs. 
Tracy’s case, had taken such firm hold in somewhat 
shallow soil, that she cherished a feeling compounded 
of pity and contempt for a generation so neglectful of 
an opportunity of seeing another Boland or Becamier 
at its head. 

It may, then, be imagined that this quickening thought 
and the added grace of a knowledge of French, which 
might be called ejaculatory, consisting, as it did, of a 
skilful avoidance of any remark approaching the length 
of a sentence, made the sight of Mrs. Tracy’s recep- 
tion of her friends indeed a pleasing one. By dint of 
filling her house with all the men that could be sum- 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


79 


moned from afar, and a judicious slackening of tightly- 
drawn lines of social distinction in the village, she had 
succeeded in avoiding the harrowing sight of a half- 
dozen men struggling to dance with a roomful of girls. 

Mrs. Tracy, blonde of hue, tall, thin, and youthfully 
dressed, was supported on either side by a daughter, to 
whom the same description would apply, save that ex- 
cess in dress and jewels is more in keeping with smooth 
skins and bright color. To them the guests were 
handed for general distribution, after each had been 
greeted by Mrs. Tracy with some remark selected with 
care to suit individual tastes. 

“ How is our dear Mrs. Hildreth ? But I need not 
ask ; comme toujours the picture of blooming health ! 
And the doctor, too. This is really trop bon de vous ! 
Doctor, let me tell you a secret I keep for some of my 
favorites : il y a des chaises in the back room, where 
you can hear and see everything and not suffer in the 
least with the crowd.” Mrs. Tracy rattled this off 
with immense volubility as she waved up her left 
wing, represented by Molly Tracy. 

“ I suppose, Miss Molly, the back room is where 
your mother shelves all her antiquities?” said Dr. 
Hildreth, easily penetrating his hostess’s design, and 
slightly stung thereat. 

“What a dreadful man you are, doctor ! Of course 
it’s no such thing ! You know the dancing is to be 
altogether in here, and so the people with brains will 
probably find their way in there with you,” answered 
Molly, who, in common with Jane, was, by a popular 
misapprehension, thought to have more tact than her 
mother. 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


$0 

“Ah,” Mrs*. Tracy exclaimed, in the mean while, 
“ what a talk I must have directly with our dear Miss 
Morton in regard to the mismanagement of the sewing 
society !” Miss Morton being the head of the said so- 
ciety, looked surprised. “Jane, see that our dear old 
friend finds the most comfortable chair in the bach 
room. And Kate, ma ch&re. How charmante ! Now, 
I know it is not the thing to do, but then, nous autres , 
you know, may sometimes break through a rule, you 
know, — but I must speak of your dress, it is simply 
perfection. Ravissante!” And the fluttering hands 
were uplifted as though in benediction. “ But where 
is he? I thought you would of course come ensem- 
ble r 

“ I am very sorry, Mrs. Tracy, that you expected 
me to bring an escort. If I had known it, I should 
certainly have made every effort to do so. Possibly 
Mr. Ellis would have come with me,” said Kate, evad- 
ing the attack. 

“ Now, cher enfant , let me advise you not to assume 
unconsciousness with a woman of the world. Haven’t 
I heard the most delightful little rumor?” with an 
insinuating smile and great archness of manner. 

“ I am perfectly unconscious of what you refer to, 
Mrs. Tracy,” answered Kate, determined not to give 
satisfaction on the subject. “ And as for ‘ delightful 
little rumors,’ Riverdale couldn’t possiblv exist without 
them.” 

“ Molly, my dear child, find Kate a partner,” said 
the hostess, a little more sharply than was in keeping 
with the smile, now dying a natural death at Miss 
Boring’s coolness. (( Tiens! Our sweet Mile. Ber- 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


81 


trand !” she continued, turning to that young lady, 
who was chattering with Jane. “ So glad to see you ! 
But are you never coming to talk French with me? 
Now, do promise that you will sometimes? I will 
promise, on my side, not to faire V Stranger with you, 
and to receive you even if I should be dressing. It 
would be such a pity, you know, if I forgot any of my 
French, as my teacher told me it would be almost im- 
possible to detect I was not a Parisienne.” 

“ Truly, for this cause it is that I am not come, 
chh'e madame ,” said Pauline, artfully. “ But I have 
spoken so little the French there is three years, that to 
me almost would it seem an impertinence. As if almost 
I should seek to benefit myself at expense of your 
precious time.” 

“ For mutual improvement, then, let us meet, ch&re 
mamselle f Though I am quite sure I am dreadfully 
rusty too,” replied Mrs. Tracy, taking it all in good 
part, without effort. “ Jane, love, find that gentleman 
for Mile. Bertrand who said he had been in France 
lately. This is indeed a pleasure, Mr. Carrington,” 
as that gentleman now bowed before her. “I had 
almost given you up, since you didn’t come with — 
we know whom, eh?” smiling archly, and pursuing 
her investigations. “ She is here, you know !” 

“ Ah, indeed? But don’t you think I should have 
had some difficulty in coming with her? She seems 
to be here in considerable numbers,” answered Car- 
rington, looking gravely about the room. 

u Que vous Stes satirical ! You are as bad as Kate ! 
But I suppose we shall hear all about it very soon ?” 

“ Your daughter’s engagement? My dear Mrs. 


82 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


Tracy, allow me to congratulate you !” he exclaimed, 
shaking her hand warmly, and determined to create 
a diversion at any cost. 

u Why, you astonish me ! How could you have 
guessed it? It only came off just before they went 
up to dress, and now I suppose everybody in the room 
knows it,” she said, annoyed at being forestalled in the 
pleasure of announcement. 

“ So far as I am aware, I am the only person here, 
besides yourselves, who knows anything about the 
pleasant news. But just look at Miss Jane’s face, — it 
would be impossible to mistake that expression,” re- 
plied Carrington, well pleased at the success of a hit 
which promised permanent relief to himself. 

“You are so keen, I see I may as well tell you 
everything. Yes, she put the poor man out of his 
misery at last, and I saw there was nothing to be done 
but to make them happy. I must caution them, how- 
ever, not to show it so strongly. Mon Dieu , qu’il est 
joyeux /” said Mrs. Tracy, reflectively, and with her 
fan slightly indicating an individual who, propped 
against the wall, as though staggered at his own temer- 
ity, wore an expression of startled amazement in keep- 
ing with his attitude, and who was answering Jane’s 
beaming looks with a succession of spasmodic smiles 
painful to behold. “ As yet, of course, Mr. Carrington, 
you cannot realize the sad certitude that for you never 
more will be seen ‘ the light that never was on sea or 
land’ !” continued Mrs. Tracy, waxing sentimental at 
sight of such happiness, and, it is supposed, having 
reference to the dim radiance of the “individual’s” 
face, which, in brilliance, was to Jane’s as that larger 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


83 


part of the moon in its first quarter compared to that 
whereon the sun shines. 

“ Why, Mrs. Tracy, surely it is not possible for you 
to speak in that way for years to come? Now, indeed, 
I begin to feel old !" he exclaimed, with a sadness that 
was the extreme of gallantry. 

" Oh, you flatterer ! Why, I must be several years 
older than you !” she answered, much pleased, and 
keeping well within the truth. 

u Permit me to doubt it. And, even if it were so, 
there are some people, you know, who only reach ma- 
turity when others have passed their prime,” Carring- 
ton responded, as was expected of him, but longing 
for release. 

“ Pm afraid you are very danger eux !” lightly tap- 
ping him with her fan, as she thought, “ Why not ? 
Stranger things have happened !” 

But at this moment Molly rejoined them, after aban- 
doning Kate to the mercies of a man who, on being 
presented, was understood to murmur, “Pleasyah next 
squah ?” and maternal love instantly resumed its sway. 

“JMolly, ma chb'ie , I won't keep you with me any 
longer ; and, as Mr. Carrington must see a great many 
strange faces, you had better play cicerone while I en- 
courage Mr. Ellis to come in. Poor man ! he is sadly 
afflig£ with mauvaise honte.” 

“ You dance, of course, Mr. Carrington ?” said Molly, 
taking the arm which he gladly offered. 

“Miss Molly, I look upon the man who doesn't 
dance with feelings of compassion and wonder. Pity, 
for the pleasure he loses, and surprise at his being per- 
mitted to live.” 


84 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


“Oh, you sarcastic man! I’m dreadfully afraid of 
you !” This was said with what is called a musical 
laugh, charming for a time, but, like any other succes- 
sion of musical sounds, becoming tiresome with con- 
stant repetition. 

“ May I have the second waltz, Miss Molly ?” said 
Carrington, as they strolled on together. 

“ Certainly ! I suppose it would be unpardonable 
to ask whether you are engaged to Kate for the first ?” 

“ Not at all ! I am delighted at the interest your 
question shows. But the supposition, though pardon- 
able, is incorrect.” 

“ Let me introduce you, then, to that pretty girl over 
there. She is from the city, and we are such friends !” 

“ Miss Molly, I am so happy now, that to be pre- 
sented to any one else, pretty though she be, and what 
is more, your friend, could only lessen it.” 

“ Oh, you naughty man ! how can you say such 
things? You know you don’t mean them.” The 
last sentence in consequence of the interception of a 
stray glance towards Miss Loring. 

“ Happiness is something so difficult to express by 
words; but surely my face does me justice, Miss 
Molly?” 

“ I don’t trust you in the least ! It seems strange, 
don’t it, that some of the nicest men can’t be depended 
upon?” she said, and indicated the application of the 
adjective by her eyes. 

“That depends altogether upon your definition of 
nice.” 

“ You haven’t so far to look, have you ?” she replied, 
with a chime of -laughter. 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


85 


“ You must really pardon my stupidity! Of course, 
I need only look at you for a perfect definition. But 
there lies the only drawback to my felicity when in 
your society ; no sooner do I think of something bril- 
liant than it is anticipated by your ready wit.” 

“ Oh, you satirical thing ! I really won’t have it !” 
she exclaimed, and using her fan as a weapon. “Of 
course I didn’t mean that!” 

“ Now, there, if you like, comes a man with happi- 
ness written on every feature. Oh, that nature had 
not denied me expression ! For then, too, on my face 
would be stamped the joy I feel in your society !” Car- 
rington’s outburst of mock sentiment was suggested by 
the approach of the “ indi vidual,” who could be seen 
making his way with evident conversational designs on 
Jane’s sister. “ Good-by, then, till our waltz. And, 
Miss Molly, don’t believe all he says. For the credit 
of our sex, I must protest that men are not responsible 
under such conditions.” 

And — dodging the eccentric approach of Mr. Fred 
Parker, who, as he came, glowered backward at an in- 
truder manifestly opening a flirtation with his recently- 
acquired charmer — Carrington threaded his way to 
Miss Loring. 


8 


CHAPTER X. 


“May I have this waltz? Thanks. Allow me to 
call your attention to the fact, Miss Loring, that neither 
by sign nor look have you recognized my presence to- 
night,” Carrington said, as they swung off in the waltz. 

“ I like that, when you were so absorbed elsewhere 
that you didn’t know whether I was here or not.” 

, “ Now, there you are mistaken. For if I hadn’t 
seen you as soon as I came in the room, Mrs. Tracy 
took care I should know it.” 

“ She seemed to think, too, that I ought to know of 
your whereabouts. Strange, wasn’t it ?” said Kate. 

“Very singular, wasn’t it? But fortunately we are 
not responsible for the maggots in other people’s 
brains.” He answered carelessly, as not caring to show 
too much confidence. 

After that the waltz, with its strange fascination, 
took full possession of them. Xo one stopped dancing 
for their sake or “crowded in an ecstatic ring” to watch 
them ; but, nevertheless, to their mutual satisfaction, 
they glided about the room without apparent effort, and 
as lightly as ordinarily substantial mortals are capable 
of doing. 

To young people it seems as if there were an added 
pleasure in living to find that a friend for whom there 
is already a respectable liking is able to cause the spe- 
cies of exhilaration that is said to attend only a perfect 
waltz. Kate, stopping for breath, expressed this feel- 
86 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 87 

ing by meeting his eyes in pleased wonder as she 
said, — 

“ How nice that was ! — the music, of course.” “ That 
was delightful ! — the music, of course.” Carrington 
repeated this with precisely the same intonation. 
u Will you sit out this Lanciers with me?” he quickly 
continued, and just in time to intercept another man, 
whose invitation to the dance was declined by Kate 
with a word of regret. 

“ Ah !” Carrington sighed, in pure contentment of 
spirit, as they found a comfortable corner and sat. 
“ Miss Kate,” he said, after a few minutes, “ I want 
you, if you can and will, to enlighten me on a point in 
woman’s etiquette that has often puzzled me.” 

“ I shaVt, of course, commit myself to an answer 
until I know what is coming. But I promise to give 
due consideration to this weighty question.” 

“ Well, it’s this. Why is it that a girl sometimes 
thinks it necessary, desirable, or proper to conceal from 
a man by all means in her power that through him in- 
dividually or by means of his society on any particular 
occasion she has enjoyed herself? Don’t think me 
conceited if I instance your remark a moment ago, for 
it might have been the same with any other man. We 
stopped dancing. You were evidently more pleased 
than I ever saw you before at a slight thing, and yet, 
though you followed out your first impulse and said 
how nice it was, instantly something seemed to suggest 
that you should correct the expression by referring it 
to the music, which, by the way, is none too good. 
Now, will you kindly tell me ? Is this the result of 
habit, tradition, education, or instinct?” And with 


88 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


the air of one who at last finds opportunity to decide a 
long-mooted point, Carrington leaned back in his chair 
awaiting an answer. 

Kate was evidently surprised at the directness of this 
attack, and, with heightened color, fanned herself a 
moment before saying, — 

“ How warm it is ! I should probably do better to 
decline an answer, but I don’t mind being a little frank 
with you, as auntie says you are to be treated as one of 
the family, and ” 

u We are very good friends !” he interjected. 

u Indeed, sir?” with a pretty air of astonishment, 
“Not quite that! But I will amend it by saying, 
pretty g ood friends ” 

“ I decline the amendment !” 

“ Very well, sir ! For reasons best known to my- 
self, and which I now choose to keep to myself ” 

“ ‘ If reasons were as plenty as blackberries, I would 
give no man a reason upon compulsion, 1/ ” he quoted, 
in undertone. 

“ Oh, if you don’t care to hear !” 

“ But I do ! Please go on,” Carrington said, beseech- 
ingly, and leaning forward to look in her eyes. 

And Kate began afresh, — 

“ Well, then, you see I have been accustomed to 
have my own way in everything, and, in short, I sup- 
pose have been spoiled. Oh, you needn’t shake your 
head ! And I don’t like compliments unless they are 
sincere, for you know you sometimes look as if I de- 
served to have my ears boxed — where was I ?” 

“ ‘ Spoiled,’ ” he answered, sententiously. 

“ Yes; and so I used to say just what came into my 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


89 


head ; but lately, because I’m growing older, I sup- 
pose — you don’t imagine for one instant, I hope, that 
your presence has had any restraining influence on 
me?” she said, hastily, as a smile — that was a constant 
aggravation as being “ superior” — flitted across his face. 

“ Heaven forbid such a thought !” he said, piously. 
“ Go on, please ; ‘ but lately’ ” 

“ I have been more careful,” looking at him sus- 
piciously, but Carrington was a picture of solemn at- 
tention. “ And so, when we stopped dancing, I began 
with the idea of telling you that you didn’t dance 
badly ” 

“ You are too kind, really !” he answered, pleas- 
antly, and not intending any sarcasm, but misunder- 
stood. 

“ Oh, yes, that means you knew it already ! Now, 
if you want to know the real, true reason, there’s just 
the cause of it !” 

“ Now we are to have the true, woman’s reason, I 
suppose, — ‘ I think him so,’ etc.,” he said, more aggra- 
vatingly than was politic under the circumstances. 

“ Exactly ! The woman’s defence against conceited 
men. I knew, if I stopped where I did, you would 
have the idea that you were simply irresistible, and 
that would be absurd, of course. So much for partic- 
ular instances, Mr. Carrington.” 

“Yes, that sets that quite at rest,” he answered, 
coolly, and outwardly undisturbed. “ But then you 
are miles away from any psychological clue as to 
whether it was the result of instinct, tradition, or edu- 
cation. For my own part, I have no hesitation in 
placing it under the head of tradition.” 

8 * 


90 


DOCTOR HILDRETH . 


“ My idea of it is that ( tradition’ has nothing what- 
ever to do with it ; but that you will be you, and I 
myself, till the end of the chapter !” replied Kate, 
moving her fan more rapidly. 

“Are you annoyed?” he asked, after a moment’s 
silence. 

“ How could you suppose such a thing ?” she an- 
swered, looking steadily into vacancy, however. 

“ Will you shake hands, then ?” 

“ No, I won’t ! Didn’t I say I wasn’t angry ? Be- 
sides, it’s too childish; and what would all these people 
say ?” 

“ Then I shall believe there is something wrong yet. 
Come ! you know you can do it and no one be the 
wiser,” said he, pleadingly. 

“ Of all persistent — well, there !” Kate said, drop- 
ping her handkerchief as she spoke, and, as he re- 
turned it, leaving her hand in his firm grasp for an 
instant. 

“ Why, that looks almost like a reconciliation, 
Kate !” said Molly Tracy, sinking gracefully into a 
chair beside her. 

“Oh, no! Only a handkerchief, Molly,” making 
ostentatious display of a diminutive piece of lace in 
the palm of her hand. 

“ I thought perhaps you were just forgiving Mr. 
Carrington for some such dreadful story as he told 
me.” 

“ Which particular one do you refer to ?” he asked, 
calmly. 

“ Oh, you hardened sinner ! Did you not say you 
weren’t engaged to Kate for that waltz ?” 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


91 


“ Precisely ! But as I was fortunate enough to find 
Miss Loring in the same unhappy condition, I knew 
of no just cause why we shouldn’t dance together.” 

“Kate,” said Molly, in an aside, “I think you’re 
very selfish ! You won’t dance yourself, and you 
won’t let him !” 

“Why, Molly Tracy, how can you say so? I have 
no more control over Mr. Carrington’s actions than 
anybody else !” rejoined Miss Loring, very much dis- 
turbed. 

“ I’ll bet you a pair of gloves he goes, if you ask 
him to !” was the only answer. 

“ Mr. Carrington,” said Kate, turning to him as she 
spoke, “ don’t you think you had better do your duty 
and dance with some one else ?” 

In the second he hesitated before answering, Car- 
rington seemed to find in her eyes an expression which 
gave him a clue to her meaning, and he said, a little 
lazily,— 

“ Thanks for the suggestion, but I am very comfort- 
able here ! After this galop, ours next, I believe, Miss 
Molly?” 

“I’ll send you the gloves, Kate,” whispered the 
other girl, looking wonderfully pleased at the loss of 
her wager. 

As Mr. Ellis at length saw a chance to wrest Pau- 
line from the gentleman lately returned from France, 
he gladly left Mrs. Tracy, who was thus free to look 
after her antiquities, and going to the other room, paid 
her first attentions to Dr. Hildreth and Mr. Brewster, 
the Episcopal clergyman. 

The reverend gentleman, penned in a corner from 


92 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


which escape was hopeless, had been enduring, with a 
slight air of protest on his pleasant face, a categorical 
statement from the doctor of the uses and abases of 
church ceremonies, together with an incidental sketch 
of an ideal parish. From this it had been an easy 
transition to what is commonly termed the great case 
of Eeligion versus Science. Although Dr. Hildreth 
devoured with equal avidity everything that appeared 
in print to the support of either side, he was a stanch 
churchman, and constantly inciting his clerical friends 
to launch their anathemas. The church being to his 
mind as a feudal castle, well armed with culverin and 
falconet, for short or long range, besieged by a teasing 
host of cross-bowmen and archers, whom a general 
discharge would sweep to destruction. 

“ This sort of thing can’t go on much longer, you 
know yourself, Brewster. Why, these fellows are cut- 
ting the ground from under your very feet. If I were 
in your place I should walk into them in a way that 
would open their eyes ! Now, I read an article, this 
morning, in one of their magazines that I want you to 
answer, — in fact, it’s your duty to.” 

“ If my duty lay wholly in that direction I should 
have time for nothing else. Now, Dr. Hildreth,” con- 
tinued Mr. Brewster, laying his hand on his friend’s 
knee, “you know very well that you would be one of 
the first to laugh at and expose any error into which a 
lack of scientific training might well lead me.” 

“ But, my dear sir, I should be only too happy to 
supply any scientific data you might need myself,” 
said the doctor, eagerly. 

“ Your zeal is very gratifying, my friend ; but as I 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


93 


have long since and not seldom expressed my own con- 
victions on this subject to the people under my charge, 
I shall refrain from adopting the course you recom- 
mend until an opportunity presents itself of speaking 
whereof I know,” answered Mr. Brewster, wise as well 
as modest, and distrustful both of the doctor’s univer- 
sal acquirements and of the vast scientific knowledge 
claimed by some of his own associates, accompanied as 
it often is with saddening puerility in statement. At 
this point Mrs. Tracy’s high voice dropped in light 
tones from over the head of the doctor, on the back of 
whose chair she was now leaning. 

“ I hope you are putting him down, Mr. Brewster. 
He’s the most aggravating man to argue with I ever 
met!” 

“ Mrs. Tracy, I fail to remember when or where we 
ever engaged in serious argument,” rejoined Hr. Hil- 
dreth, as he turned upwards a short gray whisker and 
one side of a ruddy face towards his hostess. “ In 
fact, a woman capable of argument would be a lusus 
naturce , — eh, Brewster ?” 

“ That is ( ertainly a strong statement, and, as Mrs. 
Brewster sometimes presents me with very good rea- 
sons for a difference of opinion, I fear I must decline 
to endorse it,” said the clergyman, laughing, as, with 
alacrity, he obeyed a signal from his black-eyed wife, 
who was talking busily with Miss Morton and Mrs. 
Hildreth. 

“ To be sure. I had forgotten,” Dr. Hildreth said, 
with commiseration in his voice. “ I should like to see 
my wife try the same course,” he continued, grimly. 

“J’ai entendu dire that she has tried it at times with 


94 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


marked success,” laughed Mrs. Tracy, not pleased at 
the doctor’s former contemptuous allusion to herself, 
and adopting this means of stabbing him in the back. 

“ Mrs. Tracy, I am thankful to say I’m an Ameri- 
can, and that the only foreign language I speak is 
English. If you wish to tell me you have heard any 
silly tittle-tattle concerning Mrs. Hildreth and myself, 
and care to come down to my level, politeness will, of 
course, compel me to listen to you,” said the pugna- 
cious and much-irritated doctor as he rose. 

“ And of course I shouldn’t care to put a strain on 
60 fragile an article !” she rejoined, quite able to care 
for herself in their constant encounters. 

“ Indeed, madam ! I am glad to hear you, who 
should know so well, acknowledge that past forbear- 
ance on my part has brought it to its present weakly 
condition.” 

“But I don’t. Indeed, I told Miss Morton the 
other day I thought you had improved, if anything.” 

“ To meet with Mrs. Tracy’s approbation is indeed 
something worth struggling for.” 

“ Come, doctor, you need your supper. Give me 
your arm, and we will lead the way for these good 
people,” said the hostess, who was by no means ill- 
tempered. 

“ Mrs. Hildreth,” said Carrington, approaching that 
lady, “ I have brought you coffee sweetened in a way 
that ought to gain me your lasting good-will and the 
doctor’s • everlastin g displeasure.” 

“ I like you so much already that it don’t need any 
sugar to make me do that. And I don’t think the 
doctor really cares, it’s only his way. I hope you 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


95 


don’t mind what he says, and will be good friends 
with him?” concluded Mrs. Hildreth, with a little 
cat’s-paw of anxiety rippling over her placid face. 

“ Everything points to our being the best friends 
in the world. And I’m proud to say, the doctor de- 
clares he finds in me a foeman worthy of his steel. 
We contradict each other on every possible subject, 
and are always on the watch for an opening.” 

“ Don’t Kate look pretty? See, there she is, over 
there, talking with Mr. Ellis. To my mind it would 
be hard to find a sweeter girl than Kate Loring any- 
where,” remarked Mrs. Hildreth, who, when with 
Carrington, felt an irresistible impulse to encourage 
him, much to her husband’s disgust, who character- 
ized this disposition as “ positively indecent,” without 
prejudice, however, to his own right to follow the same 
course. 

But Carrington was quite conscious of Kate’s where- 
abouts as well as of the fact that Mr. Ellis, under the 
benign influence of supper, was becoming exceedingly 
pointed in his attentions, and said, absently, — 

“ I agree with you, perfectly.” 

“I’m so glad to know you think so!” And it is 
impossible to say how much further Mrs. Hildreth 
would have allowed her interest to carry her, had she 
not heard the doctor’s voice directed in a steady stream 
of eloquence on some unhappy object. 

“ Mr. Carrington,” she asked, “ would you oblige me 
by talking a little while with the doctor ? He some- 
times forgets that other people may not be quite so 
fond of it as he.” 

Dr. Hildreth, after refreshing himself, remembered 


96 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


with regret that his conversation with Mr. Brewster 
had been interrupted at a very interesting point, and 
easily intercepting a trifling attempt at retreat on the 
part of his groaning victim, he again began, — 

“ The church ” 

“ Don’t you think, my dear doctor, that this is a 
subject that might better be considered in the quiet of 
my study ? ‘ Neque semper areum tendit Apollo ,’ you 

know ; and there we have the Gratice decentes /” said 
Mr. Brewster, with a deprecatory quotational chuckle, 
and waving his hand towards the larger room, where 
dancing had been resumed. 

But the doctor, disdainful of classic lore, was not 
to be diverted from a purpose by any such expedients, 
and, with decision, replied, — 

“ No, Brewster, I’ve heard people say that sort of 
thing before, and then forget all about it when we 
started in again.” 

And by the time Carrington, on his errand of mercy, 
had reached them, he was once more in full swing. 

“ The church seems to me like the Seven Sleepers 
just now. Apparently, because it turned once at the 
Reformation, it is to be allowed to go on sleeping for- 
ever, — eh, Carrington ?” looking for appreciation of 
what seemed to him an exceedingly neat simile. 

“ Why, that is one of the worst anachronisms I ever 
heard of!” exclaimed Carrington, purposely misunder- 
standing him. “ The Seven Sleepers slept, turned, and 
slept again ages before the Reformation, doctor.” 

“See you again, gentlemen,” evasively remarked 
Mr. Brewster, and forthwith fled. 

“ Did I say they didn’t?” snapped the doctor, exas- 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


97 


perated at seeing his prey escape him. “ Let me 
advise you, seriously, not to set yourself up for a wit, 
Carrington ; you are totally unfitted for it, both by 
nature and education.” 

“ All the more reason I should practise it when I 
see so good an opportunity,” was the laughing re- 
joinder. 

“ Let me tell you, it’s an unfailing sign of a poor 
joke when the person who made it has to laugh. It 
looks as if he felt doubtful of anybody else doing so.” 

“ Strange ! Now I can account for those wild, fitful 
bursts of laughter I have heard so often from you, 
doctor. So it was done in memory of unappreciated 
jokes. Seriously, I have been really troubled about 

you. But now ” And by a gesture Carrington 

indicated that he banished all care. 

The doctor could not help smiling, as he said, — 

“ Instead of devoting yourself to me, Carrington, 
why don’t you make yourself agreeable to Kate Lor- 
ing ? Before I’d let a thick-headed booby like Ellis 
cut me out !” 

“Miss Loring must consult her own inclinations, 
and if she prefers Mr. Ellis’s society, far be it from 
me to intrude myself,” answered Carrington, suddenly 
becoming grave, and showing something of the pride 
which was his most noticeable fault. 

“ And do you think that you are likely to improve 
matters by leaving him a clear field ?” 

“ I don’t really know that I care to improve matters, 
Dr. Hildreth.” 

“ Oh, I beg pardon for my interference ; it certainly 
sha’n’t occur again !” said the doctor, stiffly. 


98 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


“ We are very much as God made us, Dr. Hildreth. 
And, unfortunately, I am so constituted that if a girl 
for whom I cared thought to fix my affections by flirt- 
ing with another man, it would certainly have just the 
opposite effect. Of course, you understand, Fm only 
speaking on general principles ?” He was now cool- 
ing very rapidly. “ So far as I know, Miss Loring is 
altogether too indifferent to me, and quite above mak- 
ing use of such an expedient.” 

“ You are really too bad to keep Mr. Carrington 
from dancing, doctor !” exclaimed Molly Tracy, ap- 
pearing in the doorway with Mr. Parker. 

u For the Lord’s sake, take him, and welcome ! But 
you’ll find it impossible to please him, I warn you!” 
And then, advancing towards the “ individual,” who 
was thus left stranded, and was blinking good-naturedly 
at him, “ I understand, young man, you have done 
something this evening that you probably consider re- 
markably clever ?” 

“Haw! haw!” was the only response from Mr. 
Parker, who, having indulged in frequent libations to 
his private and particular goddess, was inclined to con- 
sider the world at large as a huge joke. 

“ I am in earnest, sir ! You are now engaged to the 
flower of this family ; and as the meanest woman is 
superior to the best man, you can see how much it be- 
hooves you to be careful in your treatment of her ! 
Grinning idiot !” concluded the doctor, in a stage aside, 
as he brushed past him. 

“ Haw ! haw ! haw ! By Jove, that was funny ! I 
must tell Jane that. Wonder where Jane is?” 

It was morning when Mrs. Tracy, having smiled 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 99 

faintly at her last guests, sank into a chair, exclaim- 
ilJ g — 

“ Mon Dieu , que je suis fatiguee ! Girls, is there 
anything left to eat? Fred, have the goodness to get 
me something to eat !” 

And so closes an evening memorable in the annals 
of Riverdale. 


CHAPTER XI. 


Carrington sometimes thought with wonder on 
the extraordinary rapidity with which the winter had 
slipped away. For already willow and maple showed 
signs of refurbishing themselves, wise husbandmen 
were trimming grape-vine and fruit-tree, while an 
occasional day of warm winds and sun told of the 
Speedy coming of “long days and solid banks of 
flowers,” though, in shady spots and the north side 
of stone walls, patches of snow and ice still clung to 
the brown sod. 

“What had become of his plans for cramming on 
all kinds of farm lore ? and the course of reading that 
was to give him an easy superiority over Mr. Wright, 
and independence of action in laying out the farm to 
the best advantage ?” 

Naturally, this could not be satisfactorily answered, 
and Pope’s maxim in regard to the proper direction of 
our studies again served its turn. 

To all outward appearance the winter had passed as 
quickly and everything was going as smoothly with 
James Ryan. He had easily ingratiated himself with 
Mrs. Wright by his willingness to draw water, hew 
wood, and in many ways be helpful in the matter of 
chores, but the farmer still remained cool. He ad- 
mitted to his wife that the boy seemed obliging, but 
how was it that the chickens still disappeared as be- 
fore, if Jim had not a hand in it in some way? 

100 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


101 


And this was the one cloud which, to James Ryan, 
seemed always between him and an otherwise brilliant 
existence. As he thought of the smile of satisfaction 
that had irradiated his mother’s harsh features, and the 
responsive gleam of intelligence on Mike’s saturnine 
face when he announced his intended change of domi- 
cile, he could not but think that Mr. Wright had good 
reason for viewing him with suspicion. Yes, now it 
was clear to him: he was in the enemy’s camp as a 
kind of hostage to divert suspicion, and under cover 
of his presence the “ cap’n” was being robbed. This 
idea was maddening ; and after brooding on the mat- 
ter for a time, he went to Carrington and asked for 
the use of a gun. But, while stating his general pur- 
pose of ending the depredations on the poultry-yard, 
he was careful to avoid any reference to the fratricidal 
intentions which chiefly stirred his bosom. 

“ I can’t trust a boy of your age with a gun, Jim, 
as I don’t care to have you kill any one for the sake of 
a few chickens.” But, seeing Jim’s unhappy face, Car- 
rington continued, “ However, as we want to frighten 
them, I’ll load with powder, and then you may take it.” 

James gladly accepted the compromise, since, having 
lately come into a fortune of ten cents which Miss Lor- 
ing had bestowed on him in consideration of his being 
the bearer of sundry notes to and from the “ Poplars,” 
he was prepared to do the proper loading of the gun 
himself. On the first opportunity, then, he made his 
way to the post-office and proceeded to invest three 
cents in No. 10 shot. It was a great sacrifice, of course, 
— nearly a third of all he possessed, besides the risk of 
incurring the “ cap’n’s” displeasure. But, on the other 
9 * 


102 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


hand, in what better cause could it be expended? 
What motive stronger than brotherly love to stir the 
generous impulses of the heart? Had not Mike spent 
much valuable time on his — Jim’s — training? And, 
no doubt, often done violence to his feelings by inflict- 
ing stripes rather than see a younger brother go astray. 
Was it right, then, for him to begrudge it all, if neces- 
sary, when a chance presented itself to do Mike a good 
turn ? 

“ Goin’ squirreling Jim ?” queried a whilom crony, 
as James was buying his ammunition of war. 

. “No, guess not! I seen er big snipe th’ other day 
ez I wuz er settin’on ther rocks, an’ didn’t hev no gun 
handy,” said James, stalking mysteriously out of the 
shop and leaving with his friend the intended impres- 
sion that “Jim Ryan wuz hevin’ er bully good time; 
kind er layin’ round all day an’ takin’ things easy, an’ 
goin’ er huntin’ whenever he liked.” 

With such Christian feelings, as have been indicated, 
at work in his heart, Jim dropped a handful of shot 
into each barrel, rammed some paper well home, and 
with a sigh of satisfaction stood the gun in a corner of 
his room to await, as calmly as possible, the develop- 
ments of the future. 

As it grew dark he put himself, as far as a mind 
conscious to itself of an immense expansion of thought 
and the dignity of a person clothed in fashionable at- 
tire would permit, in the place of Mike Ryan engaged 
in the nefarious pursuit of stealing chickens. Cer- 
tainly, for the purpose, a more favorable night could 
not be wished. Dark enough to make a figure incon- 
spicuous as it stole across the open ground to the barn, 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


103 


and yet sufficiently light to obviate unnecessary fum- 
bling with bolts or that still more annoying contact 
with stray wheelbarrows and other obstacles, seemingly 
left in unexpected places out of pure maliciousness. 

It was evident that Jim reached these conclusions 
by much the same processes as are here stated. For, 
bending, he slowly began to rub a shin, apparently in 
memory of some particularly acute pang, and said, — 

“Ef I wuz Mike Ryan Ed ruther come out ter 
night then any night I ever see !” 

Having made every preparation that experience 
could suggest, he went quietly to bed, and dozing with 
one eye open, was at last rewarded by hearing that ex- 
asperating creak of the gate which had several times 
made his own heart bound with fear. Though Jim 
was down-stairs with all possible speed, by the time 
the door was unbolted the thief had made his foray, 
and already stood outlined against the sky on the bank, 
which, on this side, went steeply down to the water. 
Seeing there was no time to be lost, Jim hastily levelled 
and fired. Almost with the report there was an ago- 
nized yell, a crash down the bank, and, even before Jim 
could reach the spot, the sound of oars worked with 
frenzied energy and accompanied by howls and exe- 
crations that would have done credit to the lungs of 
half a dozen men. 

“ I guess, Mike Ryan, we’re jest about square !” re- 
marked Jim, coolly, as he listened with pleased atten- 
tion to these testimonials to his prowess. “ Couldn’t 
her be’n less’n seven er eight rod !” he continued, in huge 
admiration. And thereupon deliberately proceeded to 
satisfy himself on this point by pacing the distance. 


104 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


Carrington found him absorbed in this occupation, 
and, taking him by the arm, said, “ What did you put 
in that gun, James, after I gave it to you ?” 

“ ’Bout er cent’s worth er shot, cap’n.” 

<( I am sorry to see I can’t trust you.” And Car- 
rington, releasing him with a shake, took the gun from 
him. 

“ I knowed ther feller, cap’n, and know’d ther warn’t 
no use tryin’ ter scare him with powder.” 

“ That has nothing to do with it ; and I wish you to 
remember, Master Jim, that I expect implicit obedi- 
ence,” answered Carrington, with severity, but in- 
wardly pleased, as, at intervals, fitful shrieks came over 
the water, as from a loon in more than ordinarily lu- 
gubrious frame of mind. 

Mr. Wright, too, had been aroused by the noise, 
but as he bolted towards the scene of action unfortu- 
nately encountered a clothes-line, which, catching him 
under the chin, suspended him horizontally for a sick- 
ening instant, only at the next to drop him with a thud 
to the ground. At first the farmer was disposed to 
think that his downfall was the result of a severe 
struggle wdth the marauder; but as his breath came 
back and he staggered to his feet, he recognized his 
wife’s handiwork, and now breathing vengeance on her 
alone, returned as he came. 

Mrs. Wright, who was sitting up in bed, intently 
listening for any sounds of the fray that might reach 
her ears, was startled to see some one dash into the 
room, seize the bolster and swing it high in air in act 
to strike. Thinking that every one but herself had 
been murdered, and that her own turn had now come, 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


105 


she screamed in anguish of spirit. But the voice that 
fell on her ears was the voice of Thomas Wright, and, 
decently covering her head with the bedclothes and the 
dignity of a Roman, she awaited the stroke. 

“Darn yer, Miss’ Wright! Tek thet, yer darned 
or’nery ole woman ! Tek thet ! Hang yer darned ole 
clo’se-lines ! Tek thet ! Stick ’em up fur decent folks 
ter brek thur necks over, will yer? Tek thet, an’ thet !” 

But we must draw a veil over this harrowing scene. 

Animated by that feeling which has inspired the 
triumphal march, the scalp-dance, and otherwise from 
earliest days stirred warlike breasts with pleasure, Jim 
jumped into a skiff the next morning and rowed to 
his mother’s cabin. On arriving within convenient 
distance for conversational purposes, he stopped the 
boat’s way and scanned the premises. 

At first sight there seemed to be no one about, but 
presently something like a turtle’s head was thrust 
from under a strip of old sail-cloth on the sand, and 
Mike could be seen reconnoitring the foe. As an in- 
genious method of torture, Jim proceeded to narrate 
the events of the past night in full detail, and with 
•graphic descriptive powers. But Mike lay prone and 
sullen in his tent, apparently unmoved. 

“Got ’ny chickens fur sale, Mike? Miss Wright’s 
hed sech er heap stole, I guess she’d be glad ter buy 
some of yer.” 

This was a pertinent question, as Mike had dropped 
everything in his hasty flight. The canvas could be 
seen to move as Mike writhed uneasily beneath the 
knowledge of who had done him this great wrong, but 
he answered not. 


106 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


“How much er pound d’yer sell yer shot, Mike? 
Reckon M hev ter buy s’rnore !” 

This was too much, even for a boy destitute of nether 
garments, and throwing off his covering, Mike appeared 
in a long-tailed coat buttoned closely around him — but 
preterea nihil. Jim beat a hasty retreat under a heavy 
fire of cobble-stones, one of which, taking effect, made 
him incline to sing, — 

“ And one to me are shame and fame.” 

Mrs. Ryan now appeared — even as a goddess to the 
warring hosts on the Trojan plain — in the doorway of 
her cabin, holding in one hand Mike’s trousers, in 
which she was inserting still another patch, while with 
the other she shielded her eyes, as though suddenly 
overcome at the brilliancy of Jim’s attire. 

“An’ who’s the foine gintleman wid the nosedgay 
in his booten-hole ?” This being intended merely as 
a withering sarcasm, pardonable under the circum- 
stances, but without foundation in fact. 

“ Sure, Moike, have ye furgottin your manners in- 
tirely ? Why don’t yer ax the gintleman ter walk in? 
It’s very poor fur the loikes av him av coorse, but thin 
I’d make the gintleman intirely wilcome !” 

But the wielding of ironical weapons was too slow 
an outlet for Mrs. Ryan’s outraged feelings. And, 
with a wide sweep of arm, she exclaimed, — 

“ Git out av me soight, ye blagarrud Prodesan ! I 
wants ter luk clane over ter Long Island, wid no sich 
rhinigades betuxt me ! Ach, Jim Roiyan, ye yoong 
divil, a foine thing sure an’ it wuz ter murdther your 
broother an’ spile his breeches ! An’ what’s worrus, 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


107 


I ? ve bint me forruk in diggin’ ther shots out av his 
poor carkidge !” 

“Ther cap’n sez he’s a-goin’ ter pay me someth un 
bymeby, when I begin ter work on the farm. An’ I 
didn’t s’pose yer didn’t want ter see me no more/’ 
Jim answered, diplomatically, but feeling remorseful, 
and slightly moved at the recital of his mother’s 
wrongs. 

Mrs. Ryan’s wrath at once disappeared, or rather 
was dexterously transferred to her elder son, who stood 
by, forlornly shivering, and disposed to weep anew as 
he thought of the bitter pangs the prongs of a fork 
may cause, when wielded by unsurgical hands. 

“ D’yer hear that now, Moike Roiyan ? Ye lazy 
good-fur-naught ! Ye idle spalpeen ! I axes ye iv 
you’re not ashamed ter say your yoonger broother gooin’ 
out ter his day’s wurruk loike a man, and ye wid not 
dacincy enoof ter put on your breeches ?” said the fond 
mother, as she spoke, flinging the articles in question 
at his astounded head. 

“ Good-by, Jim darlin’, and take me blessin’ wid 
ye ! An’ whin you’re rich an’ roide in your kirridge, 
don’t furrgit the auld moother as made ye what ye is !” 

And, quite overcome with emotion, Mrs. Ryan made 
a pathetic pass with her sleeve in the direction of eyes 
and nose, and disappeared again from sight within her 
cabin. 

Jim, after refreshing himself at a safe distance by 
the exchange of some derisive gestures with his down- 
fallen senior, pulled slowly homeward, at peace with 
himself and mankind, for 

“ Thus the whirligig of Time brings in his revenges.” 


CHAPTER XII. 


On a breezy, sunny day shortly after this event, 
Carrington was seated in his porch drawing large 
draughts of content and tobacco-smoke, while comfort- 
ably sheltered from the wind that, beyond the lea of 
the land, was whipping the water into white-caps. 

He was in a placidly ruminating mood after doing 
full justice to Mrs. Wright’s excellent cooking of his 
mid-day repast. For be it said in passing that, although 
he had firmly declared his intention of dining late, the 
result had not differed from that of other struggles in 
this country test-case of woman’s supremacy. 

Kate Loring was, at all times, so prominent a figure 
in the foreground of his imagination that sky, sea, and 
land seemed there but to throw the graceful outlines 
of her form into relief. 

“ Surely there she stood now, smiling before him, 
almost within reach of the arm he would have stretched 
towards her but that some tiresome weight held it 
down. Hadn’t he been told, some time or other, that 
it was the proper thing to do to offer a lady a chair ? 
Yes, he would do so in a minute, but then Kate looked 
so pretty standing there still, with that same gracious 
smile, and then he was so sleepy and comfortable.” 

It was with a vague sense of the truth of the saying, 
“that dreams go by contraries,” that he heard Dr. 
Hildreth’s voice raised in expostulation. 

108 


DOCTOR HILDRETH . 


109 


“ Well, sonny, are you going to keep us here all day 
grinning at you?” 

“ Ah, doctor, is that you ? And Ellis, too. Glad 
to see you. Walk in,” Carrington responded, with 
well-meant but drowsy hospitality. 

“ Thank you for nothing, my fine fellow,” retorted 
the doctor. “ Take your long legs out of the way, and 
ril tiy to do so.” 

“ Excuse me. I think I must have just gone off in 
a doze,” said Carrington, jumping to his feet and yawn- 
ing vigorously. 

“Oh, no, — you do yourself injustice. You weren’t 
much sounder than the Sleeping Beauty. I had seri- 
ous thoughts of imprinting a chaste salute.” 

“ If you had been the person I took you for, I assure 
you I shouldn’t have made the slightest resistance.” 

“Mrs. Wright, I suppose?” 

“ No, not Mrs. Wright,” Carrington answered, dryly. 
“ But what will you smoke, Ellis, a pipe or a cigar ? 
And yon, doctor?” 

“ A pipe for me, by all means,” said the latter. “ I 
tried a cigar of yours once bofore, you know. But 
come, let’s get into your den. I am constituted too 
much like a racer to stand any such risks as a dray- 
horse of a man can run with impunity.” 

“ How is Mrs. Hildreth ?” asked Carrington, as he 
filled a long-stemmed bowl for the doctor. 

“Better than she deserves to be, considering the little 
exercise she takes. 1 tried to get her to come with me 
this afternoon ; but her habits are very like yours, — 
when she isn’t eating she’s sleeping.” 

“Poor Mrs. Hildreth, how she must long for rest! 

10 


110 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


A sort of give-me-sleep-or-give-me-death feeling ! ” re- 
marked Carrington. 

“ Now you know very well,” answered the doctor, 
in serious expostulation, “ if I didn’t keep her aroused 
she would sink into a state of torpor as readily as a 
person overcome with cold into the snow.” 

“ I was upset into a snow-bank once, on a very cold 
night, and I tell you I didn’t stay there long !” inter- 
jected Ellis, as he held up his hands to the crackling 
fire and slightly shook his head at this trifling with 
facts. 

The doctor, with a derisive snort, let pass the re- 
mark, and Carrington went on, — 

“ Of course I don’t presume to doubt your good in- 
tentions, doctor, only there are some cases, you know, 
when death itself would be a relief.” 

“ I foresee trouble ahead for you, Henry Carring- 
ton ; and while I’m in the mood to give you an invita- 
tion, I had better say that my wife wants you to come 
up to tea, — Kate and Mamselle are to be there. Like 
well enough to have had you, Ellis, but a little variety 
must be had at any sacrifice.” 

“ Thanks, I’ll come with pleasure. Always glad to 
come, you know, whether you have company or not,” 
responded Carrington, who now looked forward with 
much eagerness to gatherings of a kind that would 
once have been considered an unutterable bore. 

To those having daughters, and uncertain in their 
minds as to the eligibility of a suitor, this and the like 
signs of alteration in tissue should be pregnant with 
much meaning. 

“You don’t keep a private supply of marines on 



DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


Ill 


hand, do you?” asked the doctor, scornfully. “Or 
perhaps you take me for one ?” 

“ I should certainly think twice before I heaped any 
more ridicule on a gallant and much-abused corps,” 
was the significant reply. 

“ That wasn’t so bad ! A little more of my society, 
and you’ll pass as a man of fair intelligence,” said the 
doctor, encouragingly, and puffing out a volume of 
smoke to hide a smile. 

“ That is too sublime for me to answer without pre- 
sumption. Let me tell you what Terence says : ( I 
think it to be by no means the part of an ingenuous 
man, when he confers nothing, to expect that it should 
be considered an obligation on his part.’ ” 

The doctor had an amazing zest for this sort of spar- 
ring, and now said, frankly, — 

“ When you are not boring some one with platitudes, 
Carrington, I suppose you spend your leisure hours in 
borrowing from the classics to make up the deficiencies 
of your brain. It must be a great strain on your 
memory, though.” 

“It takes all my spare time just now toMveep Jim 
Ryan out of mischief, and see that he learns something 
occasionally.” 

“By the way, how is your Irish prot6g6? as Mrs. 
Tracy would say.” 

“ Doing very well. At this moment he’s somewhere 
about the house with his arithmetic, ‘ knocking spots 
out of three times,’ as he expresses it,” answered Car- 
rington, as he thought with pleasure of other soporifics 
that might shortly be used to dull Jim’s energies. 

“ I suppose you know you’re unfitting him for his 


112 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


sphere in life by making a companion of him ?” said 
Mr. Ellis, in expression of a prevailing opinion in 
Biverdale. 

“ He’s in such a transitional state I should find it 
hard to fit a sphere to him just now. He was trans- 
lated to another one as soon as he put on some decent 
clothes ; the alphabet worked wonders, and, as yet, the 
only thing that has had no effect, except to disgust 
him, is the multiplication-table.” 

“ But seriously,” the doctor asked, chiefly for the 
sake of argument, “ what do you mean to do with the 
boy when you educate him beyond his position in life ?” 

“ I should be glad to know what you consider his 
position in life. Is it to be an outcast from all society ? 
If so, I claim that I am lessening the danger to that 
amiably unselfish body by putting a few ideas and 
some sense of restraining influences into his head, even 
if I have to turn him adrift afterwards. But my pres- 
ent intention is to apprentice him in a year or two to 
some trade. Why, doctor, I’m very sure I see Presi- 
dential possibilities in that boy.” 

“ Drown him, then, at once, sir ! The American 
people is never likely to be in want of candidates for 
that position, and the man who misses his vocation is 
better out of the way,” was the doctor’s gloomy answer. 
“ But if perseverance, or what I should call obstinacy, 
helps a man, I think you may make something out of 
the boy yet.” 

“ 1 Thet heppy staation tu secure 
Mus* still in holiness excel, 

Mus’ still in holiness excel/ ” 

quavered Mrs. Wright in the distance. 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


113 


“ That must be a familiar sound to your ears by this 
time,” said Dr. Hildreth. 

“ ‘ [She] sings each song twice over, 

Lest you should think [she] never could recapture 
The first fine careless rapture,’ ” 

Carrington quoted, in somewhat unkind reference to 
Mrs. Wright’s tendency to harp on one string. 

“ Whose is that?” asked the doctor. 

“ Browning,” was the sententious reply. 

“Ah, you read Browning, Tennyson, Swinburne, 
Bossetti, and that sort of thing, eh ? Browning and 
Tennyson as a lazy substitute for mental training, — 
though, to be sure, Tennyson has written some pretty 
things, — and the others as you would take up a spicy 
French novel?” queried the doctor, running glibly 
over the names, and pleasantly conscious of expressing 
an aversion in rather a neat way. 

“Yes, there’s nothing churlish about me. I give 
them all a chance. You, I suppose, swear by Byron ?” 
Carrington asked, with some acuteness, as knowing it 
to be a nearly sure test that a person of a certain age 
who deliberately seats himself on the poets mentioned 
is, with his mind’s eye, looking rapturously up at 
Byron, gloomily poised on some Alpine summit of 
thought in rapt contemplation of — himself. 

“ I am not ashamed to say, sir, that I consider him 
the greatest poet that ever lived, — barring Shakspeare, 
of course,” answered the doctor, as he warmed to his 
work, and barely accorded to public opinion an after- 
thought, which comes so often as a blight on reputa- 
tions too rapidly forced in the hothouse of argument. 

10 * 


114 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


Anxious to show that the conversation was not out of 
his reach, should it please him to bear his share in it, 
Mr. Ellis here roused himself sufficiently from a doze 
to say,— 

“ For my part, I think Tommy Moore ” 

“ There, . there, Sam, let Moore alone, will you? 
We’ll drop down to him by and by; but he isn’t to be 
mentioned in the same day with Byron and Shak- 
speare,” said Dr. Hildreth, emphatically. 

Carrington’s mouth was twitching as he remarked, — 

“ Well, Byron certainly wrote a great deal that was 
fine. But don’t you think, doctor, he was very diffuse, 
and mixed his sentiments in large quantities at a time?” 
innocently and as though expecting confirmation. 

“ No, sir,” replied the indignant doctor, hardly able to 
keep his seat, “ I think nothing of the kind ! Don’t 
talk to me of diffuseness when you can wade through 
the mass of incomprehensible rubbish ! Browning 
dribbles over every subject under the sun.” 

“ Tom Moore never dri ” 

“ Ah, that’s just the difference between them,” in- 
terrupted Carrington, in answer to the doctor, and cut- 
ting in before Ellis could finish. u Browning may seem 
to do so because he brims over with ideas, all crowd- 
ing to find expression. But Byron’s thoughts, being 
much farther apart, the interval between their appear- 
ance has in some way to be filled, which is accomplished 
by theatrical display and a kind of poetical ballet. 
Now, do you want my candid opinion of Byron’s 
poems?” continued Carrington, wickedly, and without 
awaiting an answer from his opponent, who, open- 
mouthed, was fairly writhing with desire to have his 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


115 


turn. “Well, it’s just this: in the first place, that he 
wrote a great deal which isn’t worth reading; secondly, 
that he wrote a great deal which ought not to be read ; 
and thirdly and lastly, that a great deal of what he 
wrote won’t be read very long ! In fact, I believe the 
‘ Scotch Reviewers’ had engaged him to write an enter- 
taining guide-book, which is the effect most of his 
work has on me, and their declining to take it w T as the 
cause of his ferocious onslaught.” 

Now this was, of course, rank heresy to the doctor, 
and caused an instantaneous explosion, thereby effect- 
ing Carrington’s object, to whom his friend in a rage 
was a fascinating study. 

“ Damn it, sir,” lqe bawled, “ that’s utter bosh ! Be- 
cause you are steeped in the worst French literature,” 
as he spoke, brandishing a volume of Balzac, which 
seemed to him to give great point to the accusation, 
u and revel in the excesses of the well-styled ‘ fleshly 
school,’ do you suppose every one else is spoiled for a 
beautiful description of nature? It may be an ‘ island,’ 
a ‘ thunder-storm,’ or even a ‘skull’? For clearness 

of expression and purity of thought ” But here 

Dr. Hildreth hesitated, for having, like many of us, 
the habit of quitting his strongholds to make dashing 
forays into the enemy’s country, it was often his mis- 
fortune, in common with our ancestors the troglodytes, 
to find his hurdles down and the cave in possession of 
something nearly as formidable as bear or lion, — a 
much-galled opponent in argument. 

But Carrington was merciful, and contented himself 
with saying, encouragingly, — 

“ Go on, doctor, ‘ purity of thought.’ By the way, 


116 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


I believe there’s serious talk of substituting Byron for 
Milton as a text-book in young ladies’ schools.” 

“ I wonder they don’t use Tommy Moore instead,” 
remarked Ellis, determined to chronicle his opinion. 
“ Now he is perfectly safe, you know, and it has seemed 
to me sometimes, that Byron wouldn’t be just the thing 
for a young girl, you know. Perhaps I’m wrong, 
after all,” he went on, a little timidly, as the doctor 
scowled at him, “and he certainly is nice, quite nice. 
And I’m surprised — ah — Carrington, you don’t seem 
to agree with the doctor, though you did blow hot and 
oold, I’ll allow that much. Now, for my part, I’m 
not ashamed to say I take my stand on Beethoven, 
Raphael, and Moore. There’s where you’ll find me 
every time.” Ellis’s garrulity was so unexpected that 
the other men were silent, and fearing that his flight 
might have been over their heads, Mr. Ellis proceeded 
to explain, “Not all of them for poetry, of course. 
Beethoven for music, you know; then there’s Raphael’s 
pictures and Moore’s poems. Oh, Tom Moore is so 
sweetly ” 

“Look here, Sam Ellis,” exclaimed Dr. Hildreth, 
“ you are not lecturing a girls’ school, and if you think 
you can eternally choke me with Moore, and Tom 
Moore, and Tommy Moore, you are damnably mis- 
taken, that’s all ! Quote him to the next girl you 
meet when you have fallen in love with her, but, for 
the Lord’s sake, don’t nauseate me !” 

“Well, I’m sure!” said Ellis, blushing, and finger- 
ing his collar. 

Carrington saw that the doctor was really vexed, 
and holding out his hand, said, — 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


117 


“ Don’t bear malice, doctor. I’m apt to make strong 
statements in argument when the facts don’t altogether 
bear me out.” 

“ A very bad habit let me tell you, sir !” replied Dr. 
Hildreth, ignoring his own propensities with delight- 
ful ease and dignity. 

“And besides,” Carrington continued, feeling his 
way cautiously, “ it’s a long time since I read much 
of Byron, and can hardly say that I’m very familiar 
with him.” 

“ That’s right, always acknowledge when you’re 
wrong, my dear fellow. But, think of it, what folly 
to talk of what you know nothing about ! Well, well, 
I suppose it’s human nature.” This last being in- 
tended as a mild generality in no degree applicable to 
himself, who knew little beyond the names of some 
of the authors set up as dummies to be slashed at in 
his wild careerings. 

“ I think, Dr. Hildreth, you were a little short with 
me about Thomas Moore and should say so, just as 
Mr. Carrington did to you,” remarked Ellis, who had 
been nursing his grievance. The doctor looked amazed 
at this temerity. * 

“ A vastly different thirfg, young man. Carrington 
was talking wildly on a subject of which he confessedly 
knew nothing, and was gentlemanly enough to say so. 
You were doing the same thing, and now have the 
modesty to ask for an explanation from me of all peo- 
ple. Of course, there is a difference in men, I had 
overlooked that.” 

“ Well, if I said anything, I’m sure I’m sorry, too,” 
answered poor Ellis, who would fain be with a majority 


118 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


at any sacrifice; “ but, for the life of me, I can’t remem- 
ber saying anything out of the way.” 

" Where do you keep your Byron ?” said Dr. Hil- 
dreth, waving aside further explanations, and going to 
the book-shelves that lined the room in pleasant fash- 
ion. “ I’ll just read some of my favorite bits to you.” 

“ I’m really ashamed to say I haven’t a copy in the 
house, but this evening, perhaps, we shall have a 
chance,” Carrington replied, not sorry to postpone the 
evil day. 

“ Well, don’t forget to remind me of it. There are 
so many ignoramuses in the world that I have my 
hands full in looking after them.” 

After a kindly word to Mrs. Wright and a snubbing 
to her husband, whom he characterized as a too bounce- 
able by half,” the doctor shook hands with Carrington 
in friendly but patronizing fashion as having decidedly 
worsted him in their passage at arms, and stalked up 
the lane with Mr. Ellis in tow. 


CHAPTER XIII. 


“Come along, there’s the bell at last!” said Dr. 
Hildreth, on the same evening, as he dashed ahead to 
review the provision made for supper. “ For the 
Lord’s sake, Mrs. Hildreth,” he continued, in the same 
breath with and almost as an echo of the last words of 
the blessing just asked, “why will you invite people 
to supper when you’ve nothing to give them but 
tongue ?” 

“La, doctor, don’t worry,” said that good lady, 
placidly, as she poured out the tea. “ The table looks 
very well, I’m sure.” 

Dr. Hildreth continued to gaze at the dish before 
him, the while grumbling under his breath in a dis- 
gusted tone. 

“ One would think there was nothing in the world 
to be had but tongue, tongue ” 

“Beautiful tongue,” said Carrington, thinking to 
divert the doctor’s attention to himself by this harmless 
pleasantry. 

“There, I knew Mr. Carrington would like it! 
There’s never any trouble about suiting him !” Mrs. 
Hildreth remarked, triumphantly, and looking at him 
in undisguised admiration. But, unfortunately for 
her peace of mind, as she spoke her groping hand en- 
countered the sugar-bowl, which, mistaken for a cup, 
was speedily filled with tea. 


119 


120 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


“ Goodness gracious, what have I done ? Take this 
out, quick !” 

But her husband had caught the exclamation, and, 
now master of the situation, threw himself back in his 
chair. 

“ Well, that is the worst ! Now, my dear, that you 
have succeeded at last in sweetening your tea to your 
heart’s content, I should advise you to drink it, by all 
means.” 

“ You must not feel annoyed at the accident, Mrs. 
Hildreth, for really Mr. Carrington was entirely to 
blame for distracting your attention at a critical mo- 
ment,” Kate said, with sufficient coolness. 

“ Certainly,” spoke up the culprit, pleasure rather 
than shame appearing on his face. “ And if the doctor 
thinks to find Mrs. Hildreth unsupported he is very 
much mistaken.” 

“ Pretty dears, how nicely they talk ! Why don’t 
you pat each other on the back ?” said Dr. Hildreth, 
with biting sarcasm, and turning to Pauline, “ Mam- 
selle, I want to tell you of something I read the other 
day.” 

“ Oh, how charming ! You are so wise that I learn 
much when you talk !” she exclaimed, enthusiastically. 

“This was about the discovery of Moners. You 
know Hackel’s Moners , don’t you ?” asked the doctor, 
liking to carry his audience with him, and appealing 
to Carrington, who was now absorbed in a conversation 
with Kate, apparently bearing on the color of her eyes, 
and necessitating their being opened to the fullest ex- 
tent to his scrutiny. 

“No, I haven’t the pleasure of his acquaintance,” 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


121 


was the answer from Carrington, who had only caught 
the sound of a name, presumably that of some person 
of foreign extraction. 

Dr. Hildreth glared suspiciously at him, but, seeing 
that he w T as innocent of any secondary meaning, said, 
with grave politeness, — 

“ Forgive me for disturbing you. Pray return to 
your ttte-db-tete” 

“ Not at all. Pm really interested in your friend. 
Who is the gentleman ?” Carrington answered, with an 
appearance of great attention that, of course, was an 
additional aggravation to the doctor. 

“ I had intended to draw a parallel between Mrs. 
Hildreth and a Moner. But it seems it can be done 
quite as easily with you. The Moner , then, is the sim- 
plest of organisms, that would apply to either of you ; 
looks like a transparent mass of jelly, and is nearly 
spherical, — that’s yours, Mrs. Hildreth, — and shows 
great want of discrimination in attempting to absorb 
everything it runs against, — like my wife with her 
bowl of sugar, and you, Carrington, in talking to Kate 
all the time.” And Dr. Hildreth, who, HibernicS, had 
now run through his cyclone, was presently in calmer 
waters. 

As the evening drew on they gathered round the 
fire, and Pauline, clasping her hands and in most en- 
treating tones, said, — 

u Please, Mr. Carrington, tell to us a ghost-story.” 

“ Yes, that will be real nice ! But it must be very 
horrible and thrilling !” said Kate, as, with an expect- 
ant shiver, she drew nearer the fire. 

This request promised to aid' Carrington in the so- 


122 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


lution of a difficulty that had worried him since the 
arrival of the mail that day. But, to gain time for 
a moment’s reflection as to his course, he answered, — 

“ I am almost sure a story of any kind is beyond 
my powers ; how much more, then, one that shall be 
at the same time horrible, thrilling, and nice.” 

“ What a dreadful presician you are ! You know 
very well what I mean,” said Kate, smiling, with a 
sudden lifting of the corners of her mouth and an 
opening of the eyes that sent a curious thrill through 
the person she addressed. 

•“ Presician, did you say, Kate?” interrupted the 
doctor, with knitted brow. “ Here is just a specimen 
of the way my work is undone in everything. Here’s 
a young man so given to loose statements in regard to 
facts — yes, facts — that you would be ashamed to be 
ignorant of, Mrs. Hildreth, and over whose enlighten- 
ment I have sacrificed hours of valuable time, when 
along comes a chit of a girl and with a single word 
undoes it all ! Presician, quotha !” 

“ La, doctor, don’t be hard on them,” appealed Mrs. 
Hildreth, to whom, howsoever lightly her husband’s 
missiles might rebound from herself, it seemed they 
must fall on others with the weight of a dexterously- 
pitched brickbat. 

“ Are you aware, madam,” retorted the doctor, rising 
from his chair and backing to the fire, where he opened 
his coat-tails and lifted a long forefinger to give ad- 
ditional emphasis to his words, “ that you have been 
guilty of uttering a saying which has many a time 
prostituted justice in the service of so-called mercy? I 
ask of you again, Mrs. Hildreth, as being the only sen- 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


123 


sible person in the room,” — this interjection in defiance 
of the laughter heard in various quarters, — “ whether 
you are not aware that, under this plea, the most noto- 
rious criminals go unhung and our prisons are depleted 
of the inmates who, by their deeds, have earned the 
right to finish the natural terms of their lives within 
the walls ? Answer me, madam !” 

His wife, who, with her lips tightly screwed together 
and an agonized expression, had just confirmed the 
haunting suspicion of one or more dropped stitches, 
looked up and innocently replied, — 

“ Did you speak to me, doctor ? I wasn’t paying 
much attention, as I’ve heard it twice before. Once, 
you know, before the Lyceum, and then in your ad- 
dress to the Republican voters of Riverdale.” 

The explosion of laughter from the others that fol- 
lowed this disclosure for a moment disconcerted the 
doctor, but not for long. 

“ And what if you have, Mrs. Hildreth ? Are you 
so far above ordinary mortals that a truth twice re- 
peated becomes a truism, or, in other words, a bore to 
your finely-constituted organism ?” 

“ A bore ? La, no, doctor dear !” replied his wife, 
somewhat flustered at this charge. And then, thinking 
a drop of oil was needed somewhere, “ I’m sure I could 
listen to you all day ; and, you know, Mr. Hicks said 
in the ‘ Courier’ that your address was almost worthy 
to be printed if he had the space to give to it.” 

The public citation of this long-cherished wrong was 
too much for the doctor, who, beginning only half in 
earnest, now felt his equanimity wholly deserting him. 
His attention was at this moment attracted by the cat, 


124 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


which, during his animated peroration, had been rub- 
bing itself against his legs, and was now, with uplifted 
tail, winding guilelessly in and out between these Rho- 
dian supports. Stooping suddenly, the doctor seized 
his prey by the back of the neck, exclaiming, as in 
triumph he strode off to his studjr, — 

“ That cat has dared me once too often and shall 
suffer vivisection, or I’ll know the reason why !” 

Mrs. Hildreth, laying aside her knitting in consider- 
able agitation, followed her husband. The door was 
closed, a murmuring of voices was heard, and those in 
the room plunged into one of those conversations 
which, by general consent, are deemed amply sufficient 
to cover all deficiencies in the workings of social ma- 
chinery. Presently the door reopened and the doctor 
appeared carrying the cat, which he meekly deposited 
on the rug, while Mrs. Hildreth resumed her chair 
and work with heightened color and a perceptible 
rigidity of the back, as her mild, gray eyes darted 
ever and anon a diluted lightning towards the culprit. 

Carrington, to whom this was all a revelation, and 
the change in the doctor’s manner most laughable, 
could hardly keep a straight face. But Kate laid a 
finger on her lips as she caught his eye, saying, — 

“ Mr. Carrington, are we not to have our ghost-story?” 

“ But I don’t remember to have said that I either 
could or would tell a ghost-story.” 

“You left us to infer so though, by saying you 
couldn’t tell one of a certain kind. Didn’t you under- 
stand it so, Pauline?” 

“Ah, mais oui! And Mr. Carrington to me seem 
so obliging I am sure he will not refuse.” 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


125 


Now, if Kate had made this little speech, without 
doubt the recipient would have outwardly acknowl- 
edged it with a smile and a bow, and inwardly with a 
sudden warming of the heart. But a crowd of un- 
formed suspicions, passed over at the time without a 
second thought, had now taken shape and become rela- 
tively dependent one on the other. Already that sub- 
tle aversion, which often takes possession of us, warned 
him off from Pauline. Her remarks were as distaste- 
ful to him as the conversation of a parrot. on a sultry 
day, and but served to strengthen him in a resolution 
to satisfy himself as to her identity by an expedient 
which she herself had suggested. 

“ Thanks for your compliment, mademoiselle,” pull- 
ing viciously at his moustache as he spoke. 

“ Miss Kate, I don't believe in second-hand ghosts ; 
and as I never saw one myself, I can't tell you any- 
thing about them. But if you care to hear of some- 
thing that came under my notice, I may be able to 
interest you.'' 

They all assented but the doctor. 

“ I was just waiting to see how long it would be be- 
fore these girls worried you into it. Lord, Lord, what 
a world these women are making of it!'' he said, 
vaguely conscious of the rapidly-growing necessity for 
another Bartholomew's day, which should have special 
application to the other sex, and once for all establish 
the supremacy of man. 

Mrs. Hildreth, whose uprisings somewhat resembled 
those of a volcanic island, had now remorsefully re- 
tired to the lowest depths, sighed heavily, in mild 
propitiation of the doctor, who, scornful and evidently 
11 * 


126 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


regretting his too ready submission, was thirsting for 
war. 

Kate, seeing the necessity for intervention, shook 
one finger of a pretty white hand threateningly at him, 
saying,— 

u ‘ I wonder that you will still be talking, Signior 
Benedict, nobody marks you f ” 

“ ‘ What, my dear Lady Disdain ! are you yet liv- 
ing f ” he responded. 

And, as the air was evidently clearer, Carrington 
began his story. 


CHAPTER XIV. 


“I was in Paris three years ago trying to make 
myself believe I was studying medicine ; but the re- 
sults are so small that I ? m afraid too much time 
was given to other things. Among these distractions, 
fencing was one of the most harmless, and it became a 
daily habit with me to spend a couple of hours at one 
or other of the salles d’armes. As I had already done 
something at it in the South, under Fleury’s instruc- 
tion I soon became expert, and was declared compe- 
tent to hold my own with the best. Among those 
who practised most regularly was a journalist; a short, 
thick-set man of about thirty-five, with black mous- 
tache and imperial, and a small but singularly piercing 
eye.” 

Carrington here stopped, and, saying something about 
“ a more comfortable chair,” took his seat a little be- 
hind the rest of the group. The doctor stood up to 
poke the fire, and, leaning an elbow on the corner of 
the mantel, seemed unusually interested in hearing 
another speak. 

“ With him,” resumed Carrington, “ I had many a 
famous bout, and as we retreated or advanced over the 
asphalt floor, neither could be said to have the advan- 
tage, until I gave my antagonist a chance to use a cer- 
tain coup , which always placed the button on my body. 
You would hardly understand the technical terms if I 

127 


128 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


used them, but the idea was this, that a half-return was 
made to a thrust of mine, and apparently an opening 
left, of which I took eager advantage, only to have my 
foil caught in some mysterious way, while his own 
wound around it, and I felt the peculiar little shock 
that told me I was touched. Of course, there was no- 
thing in it but the quickness with which it was exe- 
cuted, though, as my opponent used it only when hard 
pressed, and always laughingly but firmly declined to 
put us on an equality by showing how it was done, for 
some time it puzzled me. At other rooms, where I 
sometimes went, I had noticed a fair-haired, lithe young 
fellow, of three- or four-and-twenty, who fenced with 
intense eagerness, and kept it up every day as long as 
his wrist would hold out. Finally, at his request, I 
went to work with him. His defence was only fair, 
but his activity tremendous, and, if he was unable to 
parry, a cat-like spring would take him out of reach, 
and in the next second he would be stealthily creeping 
nearer as he felt for an opening. After hearing that I 
was a frequenter of Fleury’s place, and had taken les- 
sons of him, he seemed always anxious to have me for 
an antagonist. One day, while we stopped to breathe, 
he asked me about some of the fencers at the other es- 
tablishment. I told him, and then went on to give an 
account of this famous thrust' which always did the 
business for me. He was much interested, and declared 
his intention of working it out. As we came on guard 
he carelessly asked me the gentleman’s name. But as 
I mentioned it he lowered his point, and even through 
the masks I could see his eyes flash. I was about to 
ask him if anything was wrong, when he began the 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


129 


attack with great fierceness. We had not exchanged 
many passes when, in parrying, my blade met his near 
the button. With a strong twist of my foil around 
his I nearly disarmed him, and, disengaging, longed 
home. I had discovered the coup de journalise. See- 
ing that my antagonist, though surprised at being hit, 
had not noticed how it was done, I said nothing at the 
time. For several days he was moody; asked me to 
parry and return all sorts of thrusts, his mind evidently 
brooding on what I had told him, until, though won- 
dering at the stress laid on so trivial a thing, I told 
him. One day, after I had tried in vain for some 
time to touch him, he took off his mask, and, saying, 
in a hard, fierce way, ‘ Enfin /’ shook my hand warmly 
and went off. When I next went to Fleury’s rooms, 
after an absence of a couple of days, Fleury took me 
mysteriously aside and asked if I would like to see 
a duel. To which I made answer that it didn’t seem 
to me particularly interesting to see two men stand up 
at twelve or fifteen paces and pop at each other. ‘ Pis- 
tols !’ said he, scornfully. i No, no, monsieur, it’s the 
real thing ! Of course what I tell you goes no farther?’ 
I assented to this. ‘Well, then, one of my best men 
fights to-morrow with one of Perrin’s. If you care to 
go with me at sunrise I can arrange it.’ I agreed to 
be ready when he stopped for me, and, having an en- 
gagement, hurried away without waiting for further 
particulars. It was still dark when I heard the cab 
rattle up to the door the next morning, but by the time 
we had left the Arc de Triomphe behind us the sun was 
fairly above the horizon, though the day threatened to 
be dull and gloomy. Presently Fleury stopped the 


130 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


cab, and, telling the driver to move on slowly for a 
mile or so and then return, struck off into a bridle- 
path that led deeper into the Bois. For in those days 
this was the favorite spot for such encounters. After 
a few minutes’ walk we came to an open glade, where 
a group of figures told us we had reached the ground. 
The seconds were just measuring the weapons, — foils, 
with the buttons off and carefully sharpened to a point. 
Two other men, evidently surgeons, were seated on a 
pile of coats preparing bandages; while the duellists 
themselves were standing some distance apart, carefully 
ignoring each other’s existence. Fleury had told me 
on the way that the journalist was one of them ; but 
my surprise was very great at finding the other to be 
my younger antagonist, whose name, by the way, was 
Mandat.” 

There was a startled exclamation from some part of 
the room, and Carrington, who had momentarily be- 
come so interested as to forget the ulterior purpose 
with which his story was told, stopped, thinking some 
one was about to speak. But all were apparently in- 
tently listening, though Pauline, instead of looking up 
as the others had done, was shading her eyes from the 
fire with a fan. 

“ With a flash,” Carrington went on, in a more con- 
strained voice, “ much that had seemed strange to me 
was explained ; and his fierce assiduity and eagerness 
in learning every possible point his adversary might 
make use of were easily understood. The seconds 
being now ready, the men kicked off their shoes, 
stripped to their shirts, took the foils handed them, 
and came on guard. One of the seconds lightly held 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


131 


the crossed weapons near their points, and, receiving 
an affirmative answer to his question, ‘ Are you ready, 
gentlemen ?' stepped aside. Instinctively both men 
broke ground, and as they gradually drew nearer, for 
some time the swords only circled around each other, 
as the men felt for an opening, and in the hush the 
difference in their build and styles could be well noted. 
The journalist, square-shouldered, firmly planted, and 
with a steady motion of the wrist that never carried 
his blade out of line. The other, crouched as close as 
possible to the ground, almost wild with excitement, 
and stealthily working a few inches forward and then 
back, as eye and blade searched eagerly for the chance. 
It was evident he meant to push the fighting, for, in 
a moment, he longed. The journalist parried steadily 
and returned like lightning, and for a few seconds it 
seemed as if both men must inevitably be desperately 
wounded, so fierce was the rally. But presently Man- 
dat sprang back to avoid a vicious thrust, and the 
seconds, stepping forward, said, ‘Rest a moment, gen- 
tlemen/ And so, eying one another and breathing 
heavily, they waited for the word. When it came 
there was an evident change. Mandat was cooler and 
more confident of himself ; but the other, to my sur- 
prise, seemed nervous and flurried, and no longer wore 
the cool smile of superiority with which he had begun 
the contest. Had his favorite thrust failed ? I hadn't 
seen him use it ; but possibly the rapidity of the work 
prevented that. Mandat again led off, and after some 
rapid passes the journalist was obliged to give ground, 
while his antagonist followed him up with great deter- 
mination. At last there came a wicked longe from 


132 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


Mandat, which his opponent only just parried. The 
journalist hesitated a second in his riposte with foil 
half extended. It was on my tongue to shout 4 Take 
care!’ But, even if it hadn’t been against all rule, 
the warning would have come too late. For Mandat 
had already longed, only to hurl himself backward, 
there being no time to parry, as the journalist deliv- 
ered his dextrous thrust, its deadly intent shown by 
the little patch of blood discoloring Mandat’s shirt, 
where the point had penetrated for half an inch. The 
other second now asked if the challenger was satisfied ; 
but Mandat only shook his head doggedly as his sec- 
ond argued with him. And at last they were unwill- 
ingly told to go on. The journalist was evidently 
disappointed at not having settled the matter before, 
and I could see that he was tiring, and was also a little 
afraid of his fierce opponent. There was again a rasp- 
ing of steel against steel, a dextrous play of wrist, a 
few passes, and a smile of satisfaction gleamed on the 
older man’s lips as the experience of the last encounter 
was repeated. But this time, whether or not the re- 
turn was made with less swiftness, Mandat, instead of 
^breaking ground, stood fast and succeeded in parrying. 
And then the fallacy of the coup de journalist e against 
one who knew it was seen. For, as its user tried to 
recover his guard, no foil met his, and it hardly needed 
Fleury’s muttered ‘ Trbs bien!’ to show that the jour- 
nalist was gone. For Mandat, disengaging with the 
smallest possible motion, saw the opening, and in the 
next instant his sword was in the other’s side, and as 
he staggered into the arms of his second we all rushed 
forward.” 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


133 


Here Carrington stopped and some one sighed 
heavily. 

“Well?” said Dr. Hildreth, interrogatively. 

“Well?” answered Carrington, in the same tone. 

“ Why don’t you go on ?” 

“ Because I’ve finished.” 

“ Nonsense, man ; you haven’t told us the cause of 
the duel.” 

“ Politics had nothing to do with it.” 

“ What then?” 

“Well,” said Carrington, a little confused, “the 
particular circumstances of this case were, that young 
Mandat’s betrothed had run away to Paris with the 
journalist, and I afterwards understood that he treated 
her badly, and that they had separated shortly before 
the duel took place.” 

“Did the journalist die?’ J asked the doctor, who, 
curiously enough, kept his eyes fixed on Pauline as he 
spoke. 

As though moved by ungovernable curiosity, she 
half rose to her feet, but meeting an inquisitive stare 
from the doctor, again sank backward. Still she 
looked fixedly at Carrington, as if to compel an an- 
swer, while a red spot glowed in either cheek. Car- 
rington seemed to be annoyed at Dr. Hildreth’s per- 
sistency, for he now rose, impatiently, and avoiding 
Pauline’s appealing look, said, — 

“ No ; I saw him not a year ago, apparently in good 
health.” 

“Thanks, ever so much!” said Kate, at last. 
“Wasn’t it interesting, Pauline?” 

“Yes, it was a great entertainment! And I am so 

12 . 


134 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


much obliged to Mr. Carrington,” she answered, laugh- 
ing hysterically, and only resuming control of herself 
with evident effort. “But, M. Carrington, what be- 
came to the other gentleman, — Mandat, I think you 
call him ?” 

“Oh, he went back to Tours, where I afterwards 
visited him, and when the war broke out we saw a 
little service together. I shouldn’t be surprised if he 
came out here some day.” Carrington said this with 
some emphasis, but no one remarked on it, and as it 
was growing late, the girls kissed Mrs. Hildreth and, 
under Carrington’s escort, went home. On his way 
back he was surprised to find Dr. Hildreth standing at 
his gate. 

“ Come in,” said the latter ; “ let’s talk it over. Mrs. 
Hildreth has gone to bed, and we sha’n’t be disturbed.” 

There was an air of mystery in his tone and actions 
that caused Carrington to follow him obediently, though 
wonderingly, into the house. 

“ That was very neatly done, ’pon my word ! I con- 
gratulate you !” the doctor said, as they stood by the 
fire again. 

“Eh?” exclaimed the other, taken aback. 

“ Do you mean to say, Henry Carrington, you didn’t 
tell that story knowing who Pauline Bertrand was?” 
asked the doctor, delighted to think the discovery was 
solely owing to his own perspicacity. 

“By Jupiter !” was the answer, accompanied with a 
long-drawn whistle. 

“ It’s astounding how many people go through the 
world with their noses up in the air, appealing to Jupi- 
ter, George, and other divinities, instead of using the 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


135 


little common sense they have been blessed with,” said 
Dr. Hildreth, with reflective self-complacency. 

“ No, I was only surprised that you should have hit 
on the idea at all.” After a momentary pause, Car- 
rington went on, “ I see I had better make a clean 
breast of it. Here’s a letter from that same Alphonse 
Mandat, announcing his coming marriage, and gush- 
ing a little over the days we spent together. Well, in 
the course of it he asks whether I have ever heard 
anything of Mile. Bernard, and tells me for the first 
time that this is the name of the girl about whom he 
fought, and that she came to New York. Now, you 
see, there is really very little to determine this ques- 
tion. The name is not the same, and Pauline may not 
have been feeling well, or something or other, this 
evening. But, after all, putting things together, I be- 
lieve we are right.” 

“ Of course we are ! But what’s to be done ?” 

“ Is it necessary to do anything ?” 

“ By all means ! If only you and I were concerned 
it would be a very different thing. But we have no 
right to decide for others, and particularly women. 
Miss Morton must know of it at once.” 

“ I am inclined to save Pauline as much as possible 
from any disgrace. Will you let me talk with her 
before saying anything to Miss Morton ?” 

“ Very well. Now, don’t think me harsh, Carring- 
ton, but if you allow her to wheedle you I shall feel 
obliged to take the matter into my own hands. We 
owe this much to Kate Loring. Don’t you think so 
yourself?” 

“Yes, you are right, doctor. But I am sorry to 


136 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


be the means of bringing more trouble on the poor 
girl.” 

“ So am I ; and it may be Miss Morton will see the 
matter in the same light. You can’t place a woman’s 
opinion on any subject. By the way, just hold on till 
I get my Byron !” 

u Couldn’t, possibly, doctor,” said Carrington, as he 
made hastily for the door; “ it’s nearly twelve o’clock.” 


CHAPTER XV. 


Pauline had been uneasy lest she should have 
aroused some suspicion by the undue interest shown in 
Mr. Carrington’s story ; but she felt there was no room 
for doubt when, on the next evening, a servant brought 
word that he begged to have a few moments’ conversa- 
tion with her. 

“ It might, however, be only suspicion,” she thought. 
“ For certainly if he had known of her before some- 
thing would have recalled it to his mind ere this. 
Why hadn’t she followed her first intention, and 
changed her name to something entirely different, in- 
stead of keeping the same initials? But then who 
could have supposed such ill-luck as that she should 
meet a man who knew all the circumstances of the af- 
fair? Probably, though, the name had nothing to do 
with it, for, if that had aroused suspicion, he would 
have followed up his first question as to whether she 
knew the Mandat family. No, it was all owing to her 
childish display of excitement. What had become of 
the nerve that once carried her through everything? 
She needed it all now. The best way seemed to be 
very guarded and cautious ; to acknowledge nothing ; 
to find how much certainty there was, and, if possible, 
brazen it out by denying everything.” 

Having finished dressing by the time she had arrived 
12 * 137 


138 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


at this decision as to her line of defence, Pauline 
tripped lightly down the stairs, humming a gay little 
chanson as she went. Carrington was reading as she 
came into the room, but rose quickly and, as usual, 
took her hand without any perceptible change of man- 
ner. “ How foolish she had been,” thought Pauline, 
“ to let her fears run away with her ! There might be 
a thousand things he had come to see her about !” And 
then, aloud, — 

“ Lizzie say that you ask to see me, M. Carrington. 
Perhaps it is, however, a mistake, and then shall I feel 
utihappy and call Kate.” 

“ There was no mistake, mademoiselle, I wished to 
see you,” replied Carrington, not answering her merry 
laugh, as he thought, “ What a shame it was to cast a 
shadow over that bright, happy face, since she evidently 
had no idea that she had betrayed herself ! Why, in 
the name of heaven, hadn’t Dr. Hildreth attended to 
the matter himself, instead of putting all the dirty 
work on his shoulders ?” With a mingled feeling of 
shame and relief at finding his courage failing him, 
Carrington began as far as possible from the object of 
his visit. 

“ Did you notice what a beautiful day this has been ? 
How warm the wind was ? And the water had that 
bright sparkle it often seems to lose in winter.” 

Thought Pauline, “ The man does not come to talk 
to me about the weather ; he seems disturbed, too. I 
have it ! He wants to find out something about Kate, 
and does not know where to begin !” 

“ Yes, it was lovely,” she said, in answer. “ And 
Kate she took a walk with me this afternoon, and 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


139 


remark, too, how beautiful was the water. That dear 
Kate, how I love her !” dropping an anchor to leeward 
in case the wind should shift. 

u Just listen to that, will you?” Carrington thought, 
in self-rebuke ; but, seeing a gradual means of approach 
to his subject, said, — 

“ You must indeed be very much attached to Miss 
Loring, you have been so intimate for three years 
past.” 

“ I find not words to show how much I am devoted 
to her.” 

“ It would, of course, grieve you very much to be 
separated from her, but such a thing is possible, you 
know,” he continued, tentatively. 

“ Now,” she thought, “ that may mean one of two 
things : either he knows who I am, or he wants to let 
me know of the probability of his marriage with Kate. 
But no. She would have told me herself ; however, it 
will do to talk of as well as anything else.” Long as 
this takes to write, the pause was hardly perceptible 
before Pauline answered, with her handkerchief to her 
eyes, and pretending to assume that his engagement 
was in question, — 

u I should be desolated at such misfortune, and, if 
even you should suppose me selfish, I may not say it 
would give me joy.” 

“ What in the world is she driving at?” thought he. 
But finding they were no nearer an understanding than 
at the beginning, he began to feel that, however well it 
might be done, she was simply acting. For if, as he 
fully believed, there was no doubt as to her identity, 
his hint had been broad enough to show her the pur- 


140 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


pose of his visit. So hardening his heart, Carrington 
said, — 

“ Of course, you recognize the probability of your 
being compelled to leave at once, mademoiselle ?” 

“ Is it so soon, then ? I wonder Kate say nothing 
to inform me before.” 

“ We did not think it necessary to say anything to 
the ladies until you had decided what steps you would 
take.” 

u How peculiar ! You have not say nothing to Kate? 
I do not understand. I thought in France only it was 
that one arranged such affairs after this manner ?” an- 
swered Pauline, still fencing, but conscious of an ap- 
proaching 6claircissement. 

“ May I ask to what you suppose I refer ?” said 
Carrington, dryly. 

“ It seem to me not quite convenable that I should 
reply, since to Kate you have not yet addressed your- 
self, and know not if you succeed,” she answered, with 
downcast eyes and modest demeanor, but intentionally 
inflicting a slight scratch. 

Carrington began to feel his regret very much 
tempered by other sensations, and replied, a little 
sharply, — 

“ I can hardly think, mademoiselle, you could sup- 
pose I should care to discuss my feelings for Miss Loring 
with a comparative stranger. And it seems to me 
you will save us both pain by not forcing me to state 
more clearly the object of my visit.” 

But as this was exactly what Pauline did wish, she was 
quite equal to the occasion ; and, apparently overcome 
with surprise and confusion, smoothed down a fold of 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


141 


her dress in a soubrette-like manner, as she answered, 
each word seeming to drop reluctantly from her lips, — 

“ It is incredible to me ! Certainly, always have I 
admired M. Carrington. But when with me you have 
seem so cold, so distrait ! No, I deceive myself ; you 
but make me the subject of your cruel sport!” As 
she finished, the tears stood in her eyes. 

Carrington was dumbfoundered. “ Could the girl 
really be fool enough to think he cared for her ? But 
if not, was it possible acting could be carried to such 
perfection ? Perhaps he had been altogether mis- 
taken. After all, what had he to go upon ? And was 
actually torturing this girl, unprotected and innocent.” 
But one course was left to pursue, and that he took 
without further delay. 

“ You will hardly pardon me if I am wrong, made- 
moiselle, but I came here in the firm belief that you 
were the young lady who was the cause of the duel I 
described last night.” 

The look of bewildered astonishment on Pauline’s 
face was a study. Presently a smile dawned there and 
broadened into a laugh, which lasted until, as if ex- 
hausted and ashamed, she wiped her eyes as she said, — 

“ Excuse me, M. Carrington, but it was so drdle! 
Just such scenes I have seen at the spectacle , — theatre. 
What you call playing cross-purpose, is it not?” 
Had she stopped here all would have been well ; and 
probably, after receiving denials to one or two more 
questions, Carrington would have retired to wreak his 
vengeance on Dr. Hildreth for getting him into a 
scrape. But, unfortunately, that fatal tendency in 
human nature to elaboration of detail in an untruth 


142 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


wrecked her when almost in sight of port. “ As you 
did say,” she continued, with pathetic dignity, “ I shall 
find it difficult to pardon that you accuse me of such 
conduct. No, M. Carrington, I did not fly with Louis 
Sauret !” His name was so stamped on her brain that 
no wonder it came too readily to her lips. The instant 
it was spoken, Pauline knew from the change in her 
visitor’s face that the slip was fatal. But that nothing 
should be left undone, she went on, “ Perhaps I con- 
found the names? Ah, yes, now I recall it to me, it 
was Mandat you did say ! But with what strangeness 
vtords substitute themselves sometimes !” 

u You were quite right at first, mademoiselle. But 
don’t you think we have had enough of this child’s 
play?” annoyed at the ease with which he had been 
duped. 

“ Is it not probable you pronounced first the name, 
you yourself?” she asked, appealing to what he looked 
rather than spoke. 

“ Quite improbable ; for I was particularly careful 
not to mention it. Believe me, you are giving your- 
self unnecessary trouble. Your knowledge of his 
name is all the proof that could be wished. Why, 
then, deny it?” 

“M. Carrington has he such memory that he for- 
gets not one word of a narration, ah, but so long?” 
Pauline retorted, sarcastically. 

“You seemed sufficiently interested at the time. 
But this is unprofitable. I shall have but one course 
to pursue if you persist in your denial.” 

“ I do deny it !” 

“ In that case the matter passes out of my control, 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


143 


and must be laid before Miss Morton at once,” he said, 
rising. 

“ To Miss Morton also I shall make denial !” was 
the defiant answer. 

“ Mile. Bertrand, I think you forget one little cir- 
cumstance. In a few weeks I can receive a letter, or 
perhaps even a likeness, from Alphonse Mandat that 
will settle the matter beyond all doubt. Are you anx- 
ious to leave the question to his decision ?” 

To this she made no direct reply, but showed she 
abandoned the struggle by letting loose a torrent of 
angry feelings as she rose and faced him. 

“ Truly, I make you my compliments ! Ah, M. 
Carrington, you call yourself gentleman ? I say you 
are not ! An admirable thing, was it not, to entrap 
by device of a tale — by stratagem — a girl, alone, with- 
out defenders, and in a strange country ? I say that 
if in France this had had place, Louis Sauret himself 
would have been first to tell M. Carrington, as I do, 
that he is Idche!” 

“ Should M. Sauret at any time feel in the mood to 
make that statement, I shall undoubtedly have a suitable 
answer. But I can make allowances for your excite- 
ment ; and, believe me, you wrong me in supposing that 
I had the slightest idea, at the time I told that story, 
of doing more than satisfying my own curiosity. Unfor- 
tunately, another person made the discovery too. But 
for that I should never have sought this interview.” 

“ Dr. Hildreth ?” And then, satisfied that it could 
be no one else, she said, with a vicious look, “ How I 
detest him l” 

“ But what possible difference does it make by whose 


144 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


means it comes out ? It must have been known soon, 
as Alphonse writes me he may be in this country on 
business before long, and his first move would be to 
look me up.” 

“ I might have avoided him by going away for a 
little. But, if not, to you I still owe a debt,” she said, 
with flashing eyes. “ F or to see you it is he comes here !” 

“ So be it ! I am content to have you revenge your- 
self at the first opportunity,” he replied, a little wearily, 
and with some confidence that there would be difficulty 
in finding a vulnerable spot. “ But what do you pro- 
pose doing ? I must be able to say that you have de- 
cided on some course.” 

“ Will you permit the time for a letter to be received 
by my friends in France and the response to return to 
my hands?” 

“ Yes, I think I can assure you no step will be taken 
till your answer is received. In any event, though, it 
would be better to write without delay.” 

The distant sound of a door shutting came to Pau- 
line’s quick ears, and told her that Kate was now on 
her way to join them. Almost with the thought came 
the idea that here was the very opportunity for revenge 
that had been so carelessly offered her. It was worth 
the trial, at any rate, and, contriving to stand so that 
her face and actions might be seen through the open 
door, while Carrington had his back nearly towards it, 
she took his hand as she said, “ Pardon me, M. Car- 
rington. I meant not what I say but now. You un- 
derstand how it may be that I am excited, annoyed, 
and lose myself?” 

“ We will not mention it again, mademoiselle,” he 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


145 


answered, cordially returning the pressure of her hand. 
“ And I assure you again I sha’n’t easily forgive myself 
for being the means of bringing further trouble on you. 
If I can be of any assistance command me, though Fm 
afraid I can’t undo my handiwork.” 

Pauline could hear Kate’s skirts rustling as she 
started down the stairs, and, drawing a little nearer to 
him while she still clung to his hand, Pauline threw as 
much expression as possible into the large eyes and 
glowing face raised to his. 

“Will you promise to me this shall be secret be- 
tween us, and not even to Kate shall it be told ?” She 
could see that Kate had stopped short as the figures of 
the two actors in this scene came into view. 

Ko man but would have found Pauline less objec- 
tionable in this mood than when in a passion, and Car- 
rington, greatly relieved at her quietness, responded 
heartily, — 

“ Certainly as far as I am concerned it shall be kept 
perfectly quiet, and there is no need that I can see to 
tell Miss Loring.” 

With the same side-glance Pauline saw Kate turn 
and pass quickly up as she had come, and Carrington 
had given “opportunity” to a revengeful woman. 

Kate could hardly account to herself for the instinc- 
tive movement that had changed her purpose and 
driven her back to her own room, as she supposed, un- 
noticed. So far from any feeling of weakness at what 
she had seen and heard taking possession of her, the 
blood seemed fairly to tingle in her veins, and as she 
sat down her only feeling was one of intense anger at 
Carrington’s attempt to dupe her., 
g 13 


146 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


“ If he loved Pauline, why had he not had the cour- 
age to show it? Who would have objected? Cer- 
tainly not herself. What could it possibly matter to 
her? But it did seem as if all men thought it neces- 
sary to be underhand in their dealings with girls. And 
it was only the man’s impertinence in attempting to 
make use of her to approach another girl that was an- 
noying. Would he have the satisfaction of supposing 
that she cared for him? Perhaps even now he was 
pluming himself on his success with both girls. Had 
she shown him any signs of liking? If so, how he 
niust have laughed to himself as he thought that he 
had but to toss his glove en grand seigneur ! It was 
well she had discovered his double-dealing for herself, 
and it would be a pity if she didn’t make him think 
she had been playing the same game. What had she 
ever said or done that could be misconstrued ?” And 
as Kate ran over, as far as possible, all that had passed 
between them, she felt her cheeks burn as the recollec- 
tion of many words and looks that could mean but one 
thing came back to her. But retrospection brought 
also to her mind the many reasons she had had to feel 
unashamed of what she had done to show a strong liking 
for Carrington. And she was almost frightened at a 
sudden sinking of the heart which now came over her. 
“ How could he have done it ? Henry Carrington, who 
had seemed to her so true, who placed women so far 
above men, and treated them with such gentleness? 
Was it possible he thought of them merely as play- 
things? How chivalrous she had thought him! how 
high his standards ! and in what a kind, brotherly way 
he had treated her when she had been foolish and pas- 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


147 


sionate ! Oh, what should she do ? Where should 
she look for truth, now that Henry Carrington had 
proved false and unworthy of her love? Yes, think- 
ing of what she had believed him to be, she was not 
ashamed to own that she had loved him, truly, de- 
votedly. But -all that was past now.” 

His last words to Pauline rang in her ears ; in the 
darkness she saw their clasping hands, and, bowing her 
head, she burst into an agony of tears. 

But tears, though pitiful to see, soon bring relief 
with them ; and it was in a less rocky channel that her 
thoughts presently flowed on. 

“ She didn’t believe people died of broken hearts ; 
no, that was too foolish. But she did know she would 
never be the same girl again, and things would seem 
very different to her. Well, she supposed she must 
bear it, as others had before her. But there was one 
thing: she never would take any pleasure again in 
reading a novel. It was all very well to amuse one’s 
self with other people’s pain, but the reality was a 
very different thing. Her story was one of those dis- 
appointing ones that end badly. There was no hope 
here of bringing everything^ straight by killing off 
someone. No! If at this moment Henry Carring- 
ton were free to kneel at her feet and swear he had 
never loved any one but her — all her trust in him was 
dead, and no art could ever restore that. On the 
whole, she would not lower herself by showing Mr. 
Carrington that she despised him ; no, that would be 
beneath her. And after all, Pauline was not to blame, 
and was a dear little thing, so she would do all in her 
power to help along their marriage. How strange it 


148 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


seemed ! Pauline Bertrand married to Henry Car- 
rington ! There was something almost unnatural in it ! 
And how he must have acted ! Why, at times, he 
had shown something that looked almost like antip- 
athy to Pauline, and now — well, there was no use in 
going over all that again. She must accustom herself 
to look at things as they were.” 

But when, in answer to a message from Carrington, 
she had sent down word that she was suffering with a 
headache, and begged to be excused, and the closing 
of the street-door after him came duly to her ears, 
the sound seemed to find echo in her heart. For she 
too had passed on, but into a strange country ; and 
Kate Loring knew that girlhood now lay behind, and, 
by right of feeling and suffering, she was a woman. 


-CHAPTER XYL 


After sufficient argument and objection on Dr. 
Hildreth’s part to prove that he was not to be dictated 
to by any man, he was glad enough to consent that 
Pauline Bertrand should wait until a letter from her 
friends furnished a suitable pretext for her return to 
France. So far all was well, and Pauline would soon 
drift away from Riverdale, and her departure, though 
likely to cause much surprise to Miss Morton and 
Kate, would seem perfectly natural. 

Within a few days after this, Henry Carrington 
became conscious of a change in the cheerful way 
habitual to him of looking at his surroundings. It 
did not come from himself, for his appetite was good, 
the weather lovely, and James Ryan absorbed in his 
studies. But what was far worse than anything out 
of the way in these important factors to his happiness 
and less easy to be accounted for was, that Miss Loring 
had gradually caused this change. 

In the course of the sleepless night following her 
discovery, Kate altered her mind a dozen times as to 
the proper line of conduct to be pursued. 

Though Pauline, from her wish to keep the matter 
secret, evidently knew she was wronging Kate, still it 
was easy to feel charitably towards her, as having been 
led on by slow degrees to show her love for this un- 
13 * 149 


150 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


scrupulous man. But as for Mr. Carrington, Kate 
felt she would be doing less than her duty to society 
called for if she allowed this breach of good-faith to 
go unpunished, and him to suppose she was still his 
dupe. And, as we tax ourselves to the uttermost when 
inclination is cast, as a sword, into the scale with duty, 
Kate took occasion at her first meeting with Carring- 
ton to try her own strength and his temper by a series 
of rebuffs. She had not intended to provoke him to 
an explanation. But in all kinds of warfare, the ten- 
dency to underrate an adversary’s insight into our 
moves, and to credit him with lack of dash in making 
reprisals, is the fruitful source of many unexpected col- 
lisions. And Kate, to her surprise, succeeded so effect- 
ually in showing Carrington that there was necessity for 
war, that she speedily found herself on the defensive. 

He had endured several snubbings with good tem- 
per — merely placing them in the category of feminine 
conundrums, to which the answer has been long for- 
gotten — before it seemed worth while to take notice. 
But they began to be inflicted with such earnestness, 
and Kate herself wore a countenance of such contig- 
uous shade, that Carrington saw it behooved him to 
lose no time in finding and answering the reason. 

After a day of confinement to the house, by reason 
of an easterly gale, which drove a blinding rain against 
the windows and whistled through the writhing trees, 
in which he had enjoyed ample leisure for wonder and 
conjecture, Carrington started on the next morning for 
the village, taking Jim with him, both for companion- 
ship as well as to help carry some needed purchases. 

The wind was fresh and bracing as they faced it, 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


151 


coming straight from the north and rapidly drying the 
roads as it swept briskly over the land. Great patches 
of shade flitted across the brown earth as the clouds 
drove in quick succession across the face of the sun. 
The fields stretched back to the hills in sober dress of 
brown and gray, save for the dark evergreens or the 
dusky red of oak-leaves that still clung to the branches 
as though “ hard times” or unforeseen accident might 
do away with even the poor allowance of one suit a 
year. But for a few scattered houses, all was gray 
that caught the eye above the level of the ground. 
Tossing limbs of rough-barked trees, outcropping rocks, 
and unsymmetrical fences, but brown the fields, for 
the most part, though here and there a yellow patch of 
stubble broke the uniformity. 

As they turned into the village street, Miss Loring 
could be seen at some distance ahead of them. Tell- 
ing Jim to wait for him, Carrington hastened his pace 
until he came up with her. 

“ Well met, or rather overtaken,” raising his hat 
and holding out a hand as he spoke. 

“ Good-morning, Mr. Carrington.” At first not seem- 
ing to see his hand, but finally yielding her own with 
that air of limp protest calculated to excite the utmost 
exasperation in the human breast. 

“ Miss Loring, do you remember our- first ride to- 
gether ?” 

“ Really, I’m ashamed to say I don’t, since I have 
ridden a good deal both with you and Mr. Ellis.” 

“ You must acknowledge, however, that there was a 
first one?” he continued, good-humoredly, but deter- 
mined to come to an understanding. 


152 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


“ It is impossible to resist the conclusion that you 
should have been a lawyer, Mr. Carrington. Yes, 
since we have ridden together, naturally there was a 
beginning.” 

The smile that accompanied this remark would, to a 
stranger, have disarmed it of all malice, but Carring- 
ton was so familiar with her every expression that he 
knew it was not to be so interpreted. Accordingly, 
the laugh with which he responded was not as natural 
as he could have wished, but nevertheless served the 
purpose of a small conversational buoy or life-pre- 
server to keep it from those depths of seriousness into 
which it was presently bound to sink. 

“ Thanks for your good opinion ! But the point I 
wanted to reach was this : during that ride you fore- 
told a time when you intended to put me in the wrong 
before I could suspect hostilities. If I have given 
you reason to do so now, I can only ask your pardon 
and throw myself on your mercy.” 

“ It is a pity that you should have burdened your 
mind with any of the many foolish things I must have 
said during our acquaintance.” 

“I had hoped that our ‘ acquaintance’ might by this 
time be dignified with the name of friendship,” he said, 
gently. 

“ Yes ? Don’t you think this having friends is apt to 
prove a disappointment, Mr. Carrington ? Now, with 
mere acquaintance one cares so little for their actions.” 

“ I am very sorry if you have had occasion to lose 
confidence in any of your friends ; but as I have not 
had reason to feel disappointed in the few I have, I 
can’t agree with you.” 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


153 


“ How fortunate it is, sometimes, that in thinking 
of our friends we don’t usually include ourselves in 
the list !” said Kate, with the air of making a general 
but acceptable statement. 

“ Miss Loring,” Carrington said, pulling at his mous- 
tache, “ I see I shall have to ask you to pardon me for 
one of two things : for having had the presumption to 
class you among my very best friends, or for feeling 
obliged to ask why you are making a target of me in 
this way?” 

“ In such matters, I believe, first conclusions are 
thought to be the truest,” she retorted, neatly, but going 
farther than at the outset would have seemed possible. 

“ It seems, then,” in somewhat bitter tones, “ that 
I have been accused, judged, and condemned unheard, 
and quite unconscious of my fault! Don’t you see 
the wrong you are doing me, Kate Loring ?” he said, 
turning suddenly and vehemently towards her as they 
walked along the pathway of the village street. 

“ I think it will be as well to let alone the question 
of right and wrong,” she answered, quite as bitterly. 
“ And indeed, Mr. Carrington, it seems to me you are 
laying altogether too much stress on the opinion of one 
who finds it too great an honor to be ranked among 
your ‘ best friends.’ Trop d’honneur ! as Mrs. Tracy 
would say.” 

This .speech and its accompanying gesture of un- 
veiled contempt stung him to the quick, and probably 
at this moment he showed more self-control than at 
any other time in his life. 

“ Kate,” he said, very quietly, “ since you have been, 
in thought at least, my true, a short time ago I should 
o* 


154 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


have dared to say my dearest, friend, I am trying to 
bear with this strain you put upon me. But if this is 
some girlish freak to try my affection — for you must 
have known, Kate, you must have known and seen long 
ago that I loved you !” She attempted to interrupt him, 
with scorn in her face, but, with a gesture, he cut her 
short and went on : “ But, if you think you have rea- 
son to doubt, or to feel offended, give me a chance to 
explain it away ! Don’t let a trifle come between us ! I 
know it can’t be anything serious! For, Kate, loving 
you as I do, it would be impossible for me to do any- 
thing to really displease you. I ought, perhaps, to 
have told you before this, that you were more to me 
than any one else in the world, but I thought it lion- 
ester to wait till your father came back before speaking. 
And then, too, it seemed to me you could not mistake 
my meaning. Kate, are you willing to let me defend 
myself, if any other defence is necessary ?” 

As they walked slowly on, Kate had grown very 
pale as she listened. And, as he stopped, she seemed 
to be making an effort to speak, but it died away, and 
after a moment’s silence, he continued, — 

“ Surely, Kate, this is not the end of it all? At 
least I am entitled to an answer.” 

u There must be an end to it!” she replied, with a 
half sob. “ Yes, Mr. Carrington, I have the evidence 
of my senses, and they tell me I am doing right !” 

“ Distrust even your senses, if they witness against 
me !” he replied, passionately. “ And if other people 
have poisoned your mind against me, at least put me 
on an equality with them, and let me answer, whatever 
the charge may be.” 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


155 


“ There” is nothing of the kind ; it is simply what I 
have seen, heard, and know for myself.” 

“ Kate, I assure you I am utterly bewildered ! Give 
me a single clue, and I can explain in a moment what 
is troubling you. I know you are too good-hearted to 
give me this pain merely for your pleasure, so put' an 
end to what is painful to both. It is very little to 
ask of a friend, still less of a girl to whom I have 
given all my love, that she should let me clear myself 
in her eyes ! Come, Kate, only a word and I can tell 
you all about it.” 

“ That is as far as you are at liberty to do, I sup- 
pose ?” she answered, firmly, but with a trembling lip. 

“ At liberty ! Am I not free as air in what I may 
say to you ? And who or what is to prevent my ex- 
plaining to you anything you wish to know ?” 

“ Your honor as a gentleman, I should think, would 
be a sufficient obstacle !” was the sharp rejoinder. 

“ I am at least certain nothing could have occurred 
to call that in question !” he said, suddenly stiffening. 

“ There has been enough of this, Mr. Carrington, 
and I must beg you to drop the subject,” said Kate, 
with determination. 

“ Don’t try me any more than is necessary, for my 
pride is, unhappily, such — of course I don’t speak 
menacingly, and only from having been its victim be- 
fore now — that this subject, once closed, can never be 
reopened ! Kate, will you tell me what is the matter ?” 

It was an unfortunate speech, and, as may be sup- 
posed, she was quick to resent it. Drawing herself 
up, Kate indignantly answered him, as they stopped in 
front of Mrs. Tracy’s gate, — 


156 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


“No! Your- attempt to explain what admits of no 
explanation; your pretended innocence and mock pro- 
testations of affection, are all equally distasteful and 
insulting to me ! Have no fear for your pride, Mr. 
Carrington, there shall be no strain put on it by me; 
for the subject is closed, and remains so forever ! But 
I am going to call here, and must bid you good-morn- 

ing.” 

He raised his hat and had turned away, when she 
called to him from the steps, saying, — 

“ One moment, Mr. Carrington.” And as they again 
met at the gate : “ May I ask, for my aunt’s sake, that 
you will still come to see her, and that she shall not 
know that anything unpleasant has occurred?” 

“ Certainly !” he carelessly replied. “ And as on my 
side there is ‘ a mind conscious to itself of right/ I 
shall have no difficulty in doing as you wish.” 

Though now outwardly calm, Carrington’s feelings 
were in a tumult of painful excitement; and, as in- 
jured innocence is seldom content to endure its wrongs 
patiently, or without outcry, he was longing to find 
some object on which he could expend a little of his 
pent-up indignation. 

He had not long to wait ; for, as he reached the post- 
office and went up the steps of that Doric-columned 
temple, two men were standing in the doorway dis- 
cussing the passers-by and amusing some of the village 
loungers by the novelty and pungency of their wit. 
They were strangers, but not tramps. For there was 
neither that naive irrelevancy of attire nor in their 
looks that suggestion of frosty nights passed on the 
lee side of a rock over a smoky wood-fire, which, per- 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


157 


haps, cause us to look with undue suspicion on these 
primitive lovers of nature. No; the tramp proper is 
a solitary man. Though when, after his laborious day 
of dangerous application at many inhospitable houses, 
he retires with perhaps one favored companion of the 
guild to the woods and kindles his fire, or, snugly 
coiled in the hay of some rich but untravelled farmer, 
lights a last pipe, who shall know what witticisms 
are lost, what good things vanish with the crackling 
flames? These men looked like mechanics in their 
Sunday clothes, but their expression, though keen, 
was evasive and not suggestive of the dignity of la- 
bor. Large-shouldered, they completely blocked the 
entrance, and, seeing no disposition on their part to 
make way for him, Carrington squared himself and 
brushed between them with scant ceremony. 

They said nothing while he ordered such things as 
Mrs. Wright needed and saw Jim Ryan fitted with a 
pair of boots. On going out Carrington repeated the 
operation, only this time from within outward, and 
with such energy that both men, to their great sur- 
prise, disappeared to right and left of the doorway. 
They had evidently been questioning their admirers 
about him, for, as they regained their position, one of 
them said, — 

“You’re nothing but a damned rebel anyhow !” 

Turning short on his heel, Carrington threw the 
whole weight and swing of his body into a blow that 
sent the speaker crashing backward into the store. 
His friend, though looking dangerous for an instant, 
seemed to be of a more prudent disposition, and as 
his companion regained his feet in a dazed way, 
14 


158 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


with intent to make a rush, he threw his arms about 
him and whispered something that had a quieting 
effect. Carrington waited a little to see if anything 
more would come of it, and then, with a smile of con- 
tempt, went down the street, Jim at his side casting 
glances of admiration as he thought of the prowess of 
an arm that had so easily “ planked thet city feller.” 


CHAPTER XVII. 


There was ample food for reflection in the day’s 
occurrences. And that evening, as he sat with a work 
on drainage before him, Carrington found his thoughts 
by no means inclined to follow the right angles and 
straight lines of trenches, or capable of deciding on 
the respective merits, from an economical point of 
view, of tiles or stones. 

“What could be the reason of Kate’s strange be- 
havior ? It had begun about the time of his explana- 
tion with Pauline. Could there be any connection be- 
tween the two events? Why, yes, it did look so. For 
they had never been on better terms than on the even- 
ing they had spent together at the Hildreths’. But on 
the next night she had declined to see him on the score 
of a headache, and from that time had dated her cool- 
ness. Could it be possible she was annoyed because 
he had asked for Pauline ? Everybody knew you had 
to make allowances for girls, even the best of them, 
but surely Kate was not so foolish as that ! No, she 
was thoroughly upset about something, — something 
she had seen and heard for herself. That was non- 
sense, of course ! But since she evidently believed in 
it herself, what was to be done ?” 

But no satisfactory solution of the difficulty oc- 
curred to him. None, even, that lessened the shock to 

159 


160 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


that proper degree of manly self-esteem any manifes- 
tation of which women are so strangely inclined to re- 
sent. 

“But it mattered very little what the cause was. 
All overtures that could come from him had been 
made and declined, so he was powerless. Would he 
have been wiser to have told Kate that he loved her 
before this cloud had come between them? No, he 
was glad he had not. If she had so little trust in 
him after being on such intimate terms, an engagement 
would have made no difference. No, indeed, if it 
came to that, he was not so sorry as he thought he 
should have been ; and as he had done so well alone 
for over thirty years, he supposed he could go on in 
the same way. Yes, Kate’s temper was evidently that 
of so many American girls, — capricious and exacting, 
and causing no end of trouble after marriage. By 
Jove! it was positively humiliating to think of the 
way men sunk their identities in those of their wives ! 
Became mere machines for grinding out certain sup- 
plies, with absolutely no opinions or tastes of their 
own. In fact, the way men grovelled was simply a 
degradation to the sex.” 

By this time his virtuous indignation was finding 
vent in vigorous use of the poker, while the wood-fire 
answered with showers of sparks to this emphasizing 
of unpleasant thoughts. 

Jim Ryan, who had received money and permission 
to go to the minstrels and had overstayed his time, 
now burst into the room like a whirlwind, — 

“ Cap’n, ” he exclaimed, struggling to catch his breath, 
“ yer know ther two men we seen this mornin’ ?” 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


161 


“Well?” answered Carrington, rising instinctively 
and buttoning his coat. 

“Well,” went on Jim, “ez I come a-past Mr. 
Lorin’s jest now, I seen them same fellers workin’ 
away at ther side-door.” 

“Why the devil didn’t you call some one near at 
hand instead of losing time?” said Carrington, rush- 
ing to get a pistol. 

“ I know’d they’d hear me, an’ I thought you’d like 
ter bag ’em, cap’n. So I jest stooped down an’ crep’ 
along below ther bank an’ got behind er tree tell I 
made ’em out.” 

“ Good boy !” said Carrington, as he wildly jerked 
open drawers in search of the revolver. But it had 
been mislaid, and knowing that he was losing valuable 
time, he at last snatched down from the wall his sword, 
— a straight “cut and thrust,” — and darted towards the 
village. Running at his best pace, the half-mile of 
road soon slipped by, and Jim had been left far be- 
hind when, entering the grounds, Carrington made 
for the side-door. As he expected, it was closed, but 
not locked, and after waiting a moment to regain his 
breath, he opened it softly and passed into the wide 
hall. 

There were no signs of disturbance there, and the 
house was perfectly still. But the door leading to the 
dining-room being ajar, Carrington looked quietly in 
and saw one of the men wrapping up the silver, the 
other burglar was not to be seen. 

As Carrington stepped in, the scabbard, which he 
still unconsciously grasped in his left hand, struck 
against the jamb of the door. At the sound the thief 
14 * 


162 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


turned, and seeing that it was not his companion, 
seized the pistol lying on the slab beside him and fired. 

But the shot was too hasty to be effective. A long 
step brought Carrington within reach, and, with a sci- 
entific upper-cut, the blade caught the thief under the 
wrist, nearly severing it, while the pistol fell to the 
floor, again exploding harmlessly. Hearing a step be- 
hind him, and fearing the approach of the other man, 
Carrington turned and, at the same time, instinctively 
threw up his left hand, still holding the scabbard as a 
guard. But a powerful blow from a life-preserver 
broke down the slight protection and fell heavily on 
his head. He heard a voice saying, “ My turn now, 
young feller ! ” and, setting his teeth in a last effort 
to retain consciousness, he struck wildly at the dark 
figure before him. But, with a sickening sensation, 
the floor heaved upward to meet him, and, as he again 
longed at his assailant, Carrington pitched forward and 
fell senseless. 

The pistol-shots of course aroused the household, 
and a crowd of excited women were soon gathered at 
the head of the stairs, wondering what the disturbance 
could mean, but not daring to venture down ; though, 
as Jim Ryan crossed the hall, and was heard to raise 
his voice in lamentation, there was a downward rush, 
and at the sight of Carrington lying apparently dead, 
exclamations of horror followed by sobs were heard in 
all directions. Jim dashed off for the doctor, while 
Kate, her injuries forgotten and her sympathies strongly 
appealed to by his brave defence of them and their 
property, his wound and death-like faintness, seating 
herself on the floor, raised Carrington’s head until it 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


163 


rested on her lap. The movement seemed to rouse 
him, for lie sighed wearily, opened his eyes for an in- 
stant, but without giving signs of recognition, and 
presently fainted away again. Probably the sight of 
the tears rolling slowly down Kate’s cheeks, and the 
tender care with which she supported Carrington, sug- 
gested to Pauline that the breach between them might 
not be as permanent as she had hoped ; at the same 
time giving rise to the brilliant idea of taking advan- 
tage of his unconsciousness to strengthen Kate’s sus- 
picions. 

Pauline did not stop to look at her conduct from 
any moral stand-point, — it may be said, in general 
terms, that she had none, — and the reasons which now 
guided her seemed to her mind ample cause for any 
retributive justice to be administered by herself on the 
defenceless culprit. If he had ever shown any weak- 
ness towards herself, she could easier have forgiven his 
instrumentality in causing her to leave a comfortable 
home for the somewhat doubtful haven of rest M. Sau- 
ret’s protection would afford, in case he accepted her 
proposition, to return to him on condition of an im- 
mediate marriage. But spretce injuria formce is yet, in 
itself, sufficient and valid reason for hatred and ex- 
tremest retaliatory measures on the part of a wrong- 
headed woman. And Carrington, by a certain cool 
avoidance of her, before spoken of, had aroused this 
feeling, now turned to one of intensest dislike. So with 
a thrilling cry that would have done credit to the best 
interpreter of modern French drama, Pauline threw 
herself on her knees and half across his prostrate body, 
sobbing out in her native tongue, — 


164 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


“ Ah, Henri, come back to me, thine own little Pau- 
line ! See, I forgive thee everything if thou dost not 
quit me ! All shall be as thou wishest, only give me 
a sign that thou art not dead and wilt not leave me 
here alone ! Henri, my friend, my love, answer then 
to me, I pray thee ! ” 

“ Mile. Bertrand,” said Miss Morton, severely, much 
surprised at her attitude, but not understanding her 
rapidly-spoken words, “ such behavior before the ser- 
vants is indecent, and I beg you will rise at once and 
control yourself.” Pauline rose obediently, though 
still sobbing bitterly. 

“ Pauline, will you oblige me by handing that cush- 
ion?” said Kate, who felt the generous feelings that 
had prompted her action slipping away, and who had 
grown cold and still as she heard this confirmation of 
her belief. 

Taking the cushion, Kate placed it under Carring- 
ton’s head, and, disengaging herself, rose to her feet. 
“ What could she suppose but that her first idea was 
more than made certain, and that Pauline too had 
found him faithless. His warm protest against her 
coolness, and the vigorous attempt to clear himself, that 
had moved her more than she herself was aware, were, 
then, only the results of a determination to sacrifice 
Pauline. And she, Kate, should feel honored that he 
had finally decided in her favor.” And Kate felt 
ashamed of the soft-heartedness that had led her to 
this momentary display of weakness. 

Dr. Hildreth now bustled in, and at once ordered 
the house cleared of all outsiders, his coolness and au- 
thoritative manner soon putting an end to the excite- 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


165 


ment and confusion. Carrington was carried up-stairs, 
still senseless; but after a course of vigorous friction 
and hot bottles the reaction came, and in a few minutes 
the doctor felt able to say that nothing serious was to 
be apprehended. There being no fracture, the blow, 
though causing slight concussion of the brain, would 
leave him none the worse after a few days of rest and 
low diet. 

But, while congratulating the sufferer on the thick- 
ness of head that stood him in such good stead both in 
argument and resistance to blows, and ridiculing Miss 
Morton’s fears of dangerous results, Dr. Hildreth was 
so little pleased at the giddiness and confusion accom- 
panying Carrington’s return to consciousness that he 
finally thought it advisable to bleed him, as a pre- 
cautionary measure, and, together with Miss Morton, 
stayed within hearing until morning. 


CHAPTER XVIII. 


But Dr. Hildreth’s fears were soon set at rest, and 
Miss Morton was only able to keep her refractory 
“baby,” as she called him, in bed for two or three 
days. After that, as the doctor still urged that he 
should keep his room until all danger from excitement 
should be over, Carrington insisted on dressing and in- 
stalling himself in a big arm-chair that commanded a 
distant view of the water. As he closed his eyes, his 
still dizzy brain seemed to take the swing of the waves 
and carry him in thought far beyond the intervening 
Sound, over the sandy tracts and marshy plains of Long 
Island, lying low between, to where the surf was break- 
ing on the beach. He had spent many a happy day 
along the Southern coast, in the old times, lying on the 
sand with his gun neglected beside him, fascinated in 
watching the sea. 

Again he seemed to hear the waves repeat old Ho- 
mer’s hollow-sounding poluphloisboio as they hung for 
a second, open-mouthed, then thundered on the beach 
and, exhausted, spent themselves in quiet far up the 
strand. And once more he seemed to hear the lon^- 

o 

drawn breath for new effort as they ran backward over 
the shingle, hissing out the sibilant thalasses. 

Then he had not feared to let his thoughts stray 
where they would, carried on and on over the spark- 
166 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


167 


ling water, as with the eye they flitted from sail to 
distant sail, but left it at the horizon to wing their way 
over a boundless sea of possibilities. 

But now he was looking for land, had slid down 
that last wave which seemed to touch the sky, and still 
the sea stretched out before him, though now dark and 
stormy, while his thoughts came back to him like tired 
birds that find no other resting-place. 

“Human nature/’ he thought, “had changed as 
little as the sea, since even Homer’s time. Gaining 
here, perhaps, but losing there. Increase of knowl- 
edge, less speculation in science, more refinement, — of a 
questionable kind, — and perhaps higher aims, though 
even that was doubtful. But surely more selfishness, 
less frankness, and more petty misunderstandings that 
sadly interfered with people’s happiness. Well/ though 
half his Troy was burn’d,’ that was no reason that he 
should run away and become a vagabond again. After 
all, he had not come to Riverdale to look for one per- 
son, but to work in the only way that seemed to pre- 
sent itself, and to be of some use in the world. Yes, 
the farm would need close attention this spring ; a 
great deal depended on the way a new start was made, 
and then there was that boy Jim.” 

“ Jim, where are you ?” he asked, aloud. 

“Doin’ mer ’rithmetic,” was the reply from Jim, 
who, from having often to declare his occupation and 
whereabouts, found it a saving of words to respond in 
a way that should satisfy curiosity on both points. 

“ You must be forgetting all you ever learned, so we 
had better not lose any more time,” said Carrington, 
mindful of his self-imposed duties. 


168 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


“ Miss Lorin’ gimme some sums an* Miss Morton 
said I wuzn’t ter talk/’ responded Jim, anxious to 
stave off an examination. 

“That was very kind of Miss Loring. I hope you 
thanked her, Jim?” 

“Not yet, cap’n. I jest thought I’d wait tell we 
git all through an’ then lump it.” 

“ There’s no trust for that sort of thing, so it’s better 
to settle up as you go along. But come, Jim, suppose 
we run over a little geography.” 

“ Miss Morton said I wuz ’tickerlerly ter ’void any 
’citin’ conversashin,” Jim answered, blithely, and pleas- 
antly conscious of a rapidly -increasing knowledge of 
the meaning and use of the hardest words in the lan- 
guage. 

“ That was meant for my benefit, not yours,” said 
Carrington ; “ and as I don’t think your knowledge of 
geography is likely to excite me much, I’ll trouble 
you to take seat where I can have a look at you.” 

So Jim, who had been enjoying his importance in 
waiting on Carrington, and was not enthusiastic at 
what seemed a backward step towards boyhood, took a 
seat by the window with an incidental sniff to mark 
his distaste. 

“ I think we had left this country for the present 
and gone to Europe?” 

“ Guess not, cap’n.” 

“ Oh, yes, we had ; I remember very well telling you 
something about England.” 

“Thet wuz er tumble mean knock on yer head, 
wuzn’t it, cap’n ?” 

“I’m much obliged for your interest in me, Jim, 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. ] gy 

but I don’t quite see what that has to do with the 
question.” 

“ Dr. Hildreth sez sech a blow sometimes ’fee’s ther 
mem’ry right bad,” remarked Jim, grinning pleasantly 
as he conveyed this cheerful intelligence. 

“ I tell you what it is, Master James, if you had 
been within reach I should have boxed your ears for 
that little speech ; and I think you’ll find my memory 
sufficiently good when I get about again !” Carrington 
answered, assuming a severe tone, but unable to hide a 
smile. 

“ ’Tickerlerly ter ’void any ’citin’ conversashin ! 
P’r’aps Miss Morton won’t jest go fur me like er clam- 
rake !” mused Jim, as he kept one eye on Carrington to 
see how far he could safely venture. 

Something at the other side of the room seemed to 
attract that gentleman’s attention for a moment before 
he spoke, — 

“ What is the capital of England ?” 

Jim wriggled, looked out of the window in hope: of 
finding a stray capital, scratched his head, half-swal- 
lowed his pencil and produced it again, after what 
looked like an agonizing struggle, but all to no pur- 
pose, for there was no diverting the steady gaze that 
demanded an answer to this harassing question. So, 
at last, in a burst of frankness that was intended to 
disarm all criticism, he said, — 

“ Reckon you’ll laugh, cap’n, but I thought, much 
ez could be, England wuz ther capitul of Eurrip ! 
Beats all, don’t it, how some folks does disremember 
things, even ef they ain’t lied er knock on ther h$ad ?” 

“ You’ll be good enough to make the best use of 


170 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


what little brains you have in your own head, without 
concerning yourself about mine. Now, Jim, remem- 
ber, London is the capital of England.” 

“ You bet I don’t furgit ! Guess you wuz right 
’bout hevin’ told me. Awful big city, — bigger’n York! 
Time fur beef-tea, I reckon,” Jim hastily concluded, 
as he jumped up, suddenly transformed to the deter- 
mined nurse, and referring to the clock with some con- 
fidence in his powers of guessing at the hour. 

“ It seems to me I hear your voice going very steadily, 
James,” said Miss Morton, as she came into the room. 

“ Jest what I wuz er sayin’ to ther cap’n !” Jim 
coolly replied. “ But it seemed ter mek him kinder 
mad ef I didn’t, so I talked ’long an’ answered ques- 
tions, an’ wuz ’tickerlerly keerful ter ’void anyth un 
’citin’, sech ez jogruphy,” with a spasmodic grin for 
Carrington’s benefit. 

u I’m glad to see you make such a good nurse, . 
James, and remember so well what I tell yon,” Miss 
Morton said, innocently, as she bustled about the 
room. 

“ Yes, he is likely to do credit to all his friends !” 
Carrington remarked, in grim sarcasm, fully appre- 
ciated by its object. 

“ That I’m sure he will !” the old lady assented, 
heartily. 

“I reckon this hyer lesson will hev ter wait tell 
s’more favribble opportooniaty, cap’n?” said Jim, 
edging towards the door. 

Carrington looked about for a projectile, but noth- 
ing serviceable being within reach, contented himself 
with saying, as he settled himself again in his chair, — 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


171 


“ Run along now, James Ryan, and make the most 
of your time. But, remember, please, there’s a rod in 
pickle for you !” 

But Jim was full of trust in the commonly-accepted 
belief that the soothing hand of time grasps a sponge 
wherewith remembrance of all misdemeanors is speedily 
effaced, and so, light-heartedly, slid down the balusters. 
Pie was about to indulge himself with a repetition 
of this amusement — as being a pleasing novelty, and 
from the fact that his days had hitherto been passed 
on ground-floors, wholly denied to the period of life to 
which it more properly belonged — when Miss Loring’s 
voice summoned him to the library. 

“ How is Mr. Carrington ?” she asked. 

“We’re a-pullin’ him through, Miss Lorin’,” Jim 
answered with suitable professional dignity. 

“ I am glad to hear it,” she said, smiling. “ But, 
Jim, did you finish the sums I gave you?” 

“ Pretty nigh all on ’em ; but ther cap’n wuz wild 
ter talk, an’ so I jest thought ’twuz er case of businiss 
afore pleasure.” This with an air of expressing a 
complimentary sense of obligation to Miss Loring. “I 
don’t think I riled him mor’n wuz good fur him,” he 
remarked, a little doubtfully, thinking with some re- 
morse of the late scene. 

“ You should be very careful to give Mr. Carring- 
ton as little trouble as possible. Just think how kind 
it is of him to take care of you as he does !” said Kate, 
as she spoke holding up her needle-work for more 
critical examination, and conscious of a slight glow 
as from a “ coal of fire.” 

Jim disdained to express his sentiments towards his 


172 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


benefactor in words, but it seemed to him a good op- 
portunity to set at rest a question that had given him 
some uneasiness. 

“ Ther cap’n sez you’re very kind ter set me sums, 
an’ you say he’s sorter kind ter me, an’ I know ez he 
likes you, an’ I guess you likes him, an’ why don’t yer 
go up ter see him, Miss Lorin’ ?” 

These reasons for a good understanding were set 
forth with studied deliberation, but the question fol- 
lowed in almost a wail of hurried expostulation. 

Kate colored, began to speak, checked herself, and 
finally exclaimed, in some confusion, — 

“ Why, Jim, I had almost forgotten the five cents I 
promised if you did your sums !” producing the coin 
as she spoke. 

Jim stood open-mouthed and aghast. Was it true, 
then, that his memory was failing him ? There was 
his forgetfulness in regard to the “ capitul of Eurrip.” 
But that was as nothing compared to this strange slip, 
which came home to him with incomparably greater 
force. But it would be a bad precedent if he allowed 
it to be discovered, particularly in commercial transac- 
tions of a profitable nature. Therefore, in a polite 
tone, intended in deprecation of any excuses, he gravely 
replied, — 

“ I reckoned I wouldn’t hev ter hang round much 
longer afore thet five cents turned up.” 

Kate handed him his reward ; but as she watched 
his expression, which conveyed the idea of acknowl- 
edgment of a somewhat tardy settlement of a just 
claim, but was contradicted by the sparkling blue eyes, 
she began to laugh heartily. And Jim, considerably 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


173 


puzzled as he pocketed his illicit gains and beat a hasty 
retreat, felt as many an older and wiser one of his sex 
before him, that “ woman’s at best a contradiction still.” 

There was evidently something on Miss Morton’s 
mind that preoccupied her attention in a way tending 
seriously to interfere with the efforts she was making 
to add to the invalid’s comfort and strength. With 
surprise she found the jelly warming at the fire and 
beef-tea as rapidly cooling on the window-sill. Her 
exclamations at these misadventures attracting Carring- 
ton’s attention to her disturbed manner, he put out his 
hand as she passed and drew her towards him. 

“ What is it, Aunt Kitty?” he asked. 

“Nothing, dear boy; only some of my stupid care- 
lessness,” she replied, smoothing down his hair. 

“ How is your namesake ?” In as easy a tone as 
could be assumed. 

“Very well,” she replied; and then, in allowable 
contradiction of a previous answer, went on, “ That is 
what I wished to speak to you about, Henry. You 
may have thought it strange that Kate has not been up 
to see you ? But I am sure she asked to be remem- 
bered several times when I forgot to tell you of it, and 
once I think, I am not quite certain, but I think she 
said ‘ best regards.’ ” It is to be feared using an infu- 
sion of her own love and good-will to give a tang to 
Kate’s flavorless messages. “And then, you know, 
there is the ‘ reading circle,’ and just now she is very 
much engaged with her seamstress. And I am sure, 
Henry, I have talked to the foolish girl till I am 
tired ! But all she will say is, ‘ Mr. Carrington knows 
there are very good reasons Why I shouldn’t care to 
15 * 


174 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


see him.’ ” And so the old lady ended by throwing 
overboard all her previous apologies. 

“ Now, Aunt Kitty, you must not worry yourself 
about these trifles ! If Kate hasn’t the time or says I 
know of good reasons why she shouldn’t pay me a visit, 
undoubtedly it must be so; and, of course, that being 
the case, she isn’t to blame,” he answered, loyally. 

“ I want you to excuse me, my dear, if I seem too 
inquisitive; but I have the interest of you two so much 
at heart that I sha’n’t rest easy till I know what the 
difficulty between you is.” 

“ I should like to be able to tell you, but it’s utterly 
impossible!” But seeing disappointment in legible 
characters on her face : “ I couldn’t if my mother were 
alive to ask me ! In fact, it’s something a third party 
would have difficulty in understanding. Indeed, the 
party of the second part hasn’t the remotest idea of 
what it is all about.” This last remark, however, was 
made under his breath, from not wishing to throw the 
burden of further explanations on Kate. 

“ Henry, if you have let any foolish pride about 
money matters stand in your way, let me tell you I 
shall leave all my property to you on condition that 
you don’t marry Kate ! It seems to me you will be in 
a dilemma then ; and I think I can tell which side will 
carry the day !” she said, in mild triumph at her own 
astuteness. 

Carrington was moved, but at the same time his re- 
solve to say nothing remained unshaken. And wish- 
ing to change the subject if possible, he asked, — 

u And how is Mile. Bertrand ? I haven’t heard, 
anything about her for a day or two.” 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


175 


Miss Morton disengaged herself from his arm and 
seated herself before answering, with a slight acidity 
of manner, — 

“ She seems as well as usual ; but as she tells me 
she thinks of leaving shortly, and declines to give any 
other reason than that her friends wish to see her, I 
must say my feelings have changed very much towards 
her.” 

“ Is it possible she is going ? Why, Fm very sorry 
to hear it ! What a loss she will be to you in many 
ways !” he said, with well-acted sorrow and surprise. 

Indeed, it struck Miss Morton, to whom an unpleas- 
ant thought recurred at the moment, that there was 
altogether too much of both. And she said, rather 
sharply, — 

“ At one time I should have regretted her departure 
very much, but I don’t know that I care particularly 
now. She behaved, to say the least, in a very singular 
way the night you were hurt.” 

This information being accompanied by a pursing 
of the lips and an air of such mystery, that Carrington 
felt it would be cruelly inhuman not to give her a 
chance for explanation. 

“ I suppose she was • frightened, and didn’t care to 
come down-stairs?” 

“ Oh, no, that would have been nothing at all ! But 
I don’t see why I should not tell you, as it was done 
before all of us. She actually threw herself down on 
the floor beside you, and went on like a wild woman ! 
But as she talked very fast in French, I couldn’t un- 
derstand what it was all about, and Kate said she 
couldn’t either.” 


176 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


As Carrington pictured the scene — himself doing the 
heroic, Pauline hovering distractedly over his body, 
Kate statuesquely indifferent, and Miss Morton look- 
ing on with shocked propriety — he laughed sardonically 
at this new complication of affairs. For “ some things 
are of that nature to make one’s fancy chuckle while 
his heart doth ache.” 

But that Pauline had done it with malice afore- 
thought never occurred to him, and his only thought 
was, — 

“ Well, Kate no doubt thinks she has good reasons 
for avoiding me now, if not before. But I don’t see 
anything to be gained in attempting to make it clear 
to her that Pauline was not authorized to show such 
tender sympathy over my corpse. Perhaps the poor 
girl, after all, was the only one who did really care for 
me. In that case it would certainly be hard lines on 
her to say anything about it.” 

* I don’t see anything to laugh at in what I told 
you, Henry !” Miss Morton remarked, with a show of 
dignity. 

“ Certainly not ! And I was only amused when I 
thought of the laughable effect fright and excitement 
have on some people. Of course, Mile. Bertrand had 
lost her head, and you must pardon any little eccen- 
tricities she may have committed while in that peculiar 
state. I have often seen it with recruits under fire for 
the first time.” 

But though he laughed again, as if at some absurd 
recollection, he was thinking that Pauline was to be 
congratulated on having decided not to let the matter 
come before Miss Morton. For, good and charitable 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


177 


though she was in other respects, it was evident, from 
her tone, that unless Pauline had been able to clear 
herself of even the barest suspicion of this stigma on 
her past life, her prompt dismissal would have been 
assured. 

Miss Morton was much relieved by the light tone 
in which Carrington had spoken, and, as her sus- 
picions fled, kindlier feelings found room, and she 
said, — 

“ Well, I have written to my brother, telling him 
that she thinks of leaving ; and as he is very liberal 
in his ideas, I know he will give her a good start be- 
sides what she must have saved. Perhaps I spoke 
harshly about her just now, Henry, for, really, I never 
had anything to complain of in her before. But there! 
you have had excitement enough for your poor head ; 
and after some beef-tea, I will make you comfortable 
for a nap.” 

So, in spite of protestations, Carrington was fed, the 
room darkened, and, leaving him to continue his medi- 
tations, Miss Morton went back to her household 
duties. 


CHAPTER XIX. 


Although Mrs. Tracy was determined that the 
members of her family should marry, it could not be 
said that she was a professed match-maker. For 
though skilful, and no one more alive than she to the 
necessity of concealing the art by which her children’s 
welfare was to be forwarded, there was a frankness in 
her disposition and a kindly desire to keep her friend# 
informed of progress which, in themselves, were suffi- 
cient to prevent her being spoken of as anything more 
than a clever amateur. Indeed, from this tendency on 
Mrs. Tracy’s part had resulted so many defeats, that 
an aggrieved sense of disbelief in her powers had un- 
happily spread abroad. But her continued hopefulness 
was as though, at intervals, she smilingly beckoned to 
her friends to look over her shoulder to note the scien- 
tific ending of a game of chess. The state of affairs 
being such, according to her own belief, that the prob- 
lem, briefly put, might read : Mrs. Tracy to play and 
mate in three moves. But from too hasty generaliza- 
tion the result had hitherto been defeat. 

It may then be imagined that not only was she 
greatly pleased and her self-esteem re-established by 
the success which had attended her efforts to secure 
the “individual” who represented Jane’s happiness in 
life, but was further encouraged to lose no time in 
proving to Carrington, on whom his injuries might be 
178 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 179 

supposed to have a humanizing effect, that his best 
chance for happiness was to be found with Molly. 

Accordingly, in furtherance of this scheme and much 
to Miss Morton's disgust, delicacies of all kind that 
might tempt an invalid began to arrive at the house, 
and, finally, with some flowers, there came a note to 
this intent, “ That Mrs. Tracy hoped Mr. Carrington 
was regaining the strength which he used to such good 
purpose, and that she felt it incumbent on her, as one 
of the representatives of Riverdale, — she knew she 
might safely say it to Mr. Carrington, — to express the 
gratitude all must feel for the noble way in which he 
had nearly sacrificed himself in the cause of friendship, 
humanity, and, she might even say, society at large." 
For to firmly believe, as did Mrs. Tracy, that the less 
easily includes the greater is one of the most satisfying 
of vagaries in thought. “ She was conscious of but 
lamely expressing feelings that were really heartfelt; 
and as for her poor, dear Molly, the foolish child was 
nearly overcome. Mr. Carrington did not know, no 
one but herself could know, the intensely sympathetic 
and loving nature this apparently gay and insouciante 
girl concealed in the depths of her warm heart. It 
was a pleasure to write to a man well-read in the 
classics, and, in illustration of her fears for Molly's fu- 
ture welfare, she would but refer to the Spartan boy 
and the fox. Though the dear child should really 
have been in her bed, she had exerted herself to select 
the accompanying flowers, and joined with the writer 
in wishing Mr. Carrington a speedy recovery and re- 
turn to good health and the society he was so well 
fitted to adorn." 


180 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


It is said that the Esquimaux, when watching at a 
hole in the ice through which a seal is expected to rise 
for breath, ties his knees together to prevent his gar- 
ments rustling, lest, at a critical moment, the slightest 
movement might frighten his wary prey. To speak 
figuratively, it will be seen that Mrs. Tracy neglected 
this useful precaution ; and it is unpleasant to record 
that on reading her note Carrington immediately ex- 
ploded into laughter. The delicate flattery evidently 
intended by the peculiar reference to his knowledge of 
the classics seemed especially to tickle his fancy, for 
he laughed until Jim, who was in attendance, becoming 
seriously alarmed at this new and unexpected symptom 
of mental disturbance, was about to rush for assistance. 
But Carrington stopped him by asking for writing 
materials, and in reply to Mrs. Tracy’s effusion wrote, 
saying “ that he hoped, indeed, to be out again shortly, 
if only that he might express in person the gratitude 
he felt for her many kind attentions. He regretted 
sincerely that Miss Molly, to whom his thanks were 
especially due for the beautiful flowers, was so unwell, 
but trusted that the unremitting care and attention she 
would receive might speedily restore her to health. 
And, in conclusion, while expressing his admiration of 
Mrs. Tracy’s graceful use of a classical simile, he felt 
compelled to differ in the belief that it could by any 
possibility be applicable to Miss Molly or her future. 
Indeed, on the principle of Lucas a non lucendo, from 
her possession of the very desirable and admirable quali- 
ties mentioned by Mrs. Tracy, of the existence of which 
Mr. Carrington begged to state his firm conviction, she 
was far more likely to cause pangs to the hearts of men.” 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


181 


“ Rather neatly turned, I flatter myself. Though I 
don’t know that I am quite sure what I mean,” Car- 
rington soliloquized, as he closed his note. “ At any 
rate the venerable ‘Lucus’ is a good match for the 
i Spartan boy/ and both are ‘ not for an age, but for 
all time.’ Here, James, oblige me by closing your 
mouth and eyes somewhat, as I’m not altogether crazy, 
and taking this note to Mrs. Tracy.” 

Holding it gingerly, Jim crept to the door, but looked 
furtively back to be able to report to Miss Morton the 
latest signs of this strange affection. 

“Fust he’d laugh like thunder, an’ then he’d say 
somethun fur er spell ; an’ when he gimme ther letter, 
he wuz er talkin’ kinder wild ’bout some ole feller 
named ( Lucius’ ; an’ guessed he could lick ’nother fel- 
ler ther cap’n called ‘ Spartan Boy’ all ter smaash !” 
said Jim, describing the scene to the old lady, to whom 
it seemed so alarming that she hurried up-stairs, and, 
putting her head in at the door, began to talk in most 
soothing tones and with some blandishments of man- 
ner. But the patient looked up from his book with 
so sane and composed an expression, speedily changing 
to one of bewildered astonishment, that Miss Morton 
found herself covered with confusion and compelled to 
apologize. 

As Jim was nowhere to be found, having gone to 
Mrs. Tracy’s, when, in excited accents, she summoned 
him to her presence to answer for his misdemeanors, 
Miss Morton was at once convinced that she had been 
the victim of a practical joke. And as the tastelessness 
shown in making puns hardly equalled, to her mind, 
the enormity of finding amusement at another’s ex- 
' 16 


182 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


pense, it may be imagined with what ruffled indigna- 
tion she awaited Jim’s return. 

There is a code of signals, to the right understand- 
ing of which all women seem to be admitted by virtue 
of their sex, without regard to nationality, while the 
pitiful remnant of mankind is rigorously kept from 
learning its secrets. 

Hence, if we would communicate with one another, 
the necessity we clumsy men are under of “ laying-to,” 
as it were, of getting alongside, and, with much ges- 
ticulation, loudly trumpeting our wishes and inten- 
tions. 

When Molly Tracy, dressed for walking, came into 
her mother’s room on the next afternoon and announced 
her intention of calling on Kate Loring, she knew as 
well as though she had been told in so many words 
that she was carrying out her mother’s instructions. 
But the open use of these same words would have 
caused constraint on both sides. And it is remarkable 
what skill is shown in avoiding a result that inevitably 
follows the attempt to use frankness in dealing with 
subjects of questionable moral worth, by those whose 
consciences are still in good working order. Accord- 
ingly, Mrs. Tracy was able to gravely express her ap- 
proval of the idea. And, as it also occurred to her 
that she had not seen Mrs. Hildreth for some time, 
mater pulchra filia pulchrior sallied forth in company, 
arrayed in ideal bonnets and such other pleasure-giving 
sensations in the way of dress as Easter-Sunday com- 
monly brings to those who happily combine riches 
with religion. 

Molly found Kate at home, and after slight homage 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


183 


to their dressmakers, a cursory examination of the new 
bonnet, and a little of that mutual admiration, mean- 
ing nothing on either side, but without which a woman 
is said to go hungry away, she dexterously turned the 
conversation in a direction that promised to lead to the 
object she had in view, namely, to find out whether 
Kate and Henry Carrington were still on the same 
cool terms, of which a rumor was abroad, or if, since 
the attempted burglary, a reconciliation had been 
brought about. 

“ Why didn’t you go to the reading, Kate?” asked 
Molly. 

“ I was too busy. Aunt’s time is so taken up with 
Mr. Carrington that I have to look after almost every- 
thing else about the house.” 

“ Well, you didn’t miss much. Mrs. Brewster went 
on with that everlasting ‘Froude’ till I thought I 
should go to sleep.” 

“ Yes, it does seem a mistake. It would be differ- 
ent, of course, if we met oftener; but for my part I 
forget from week to week everything I heard the last 
time,” replied Kate. 

“ I’m sure I don’t know why I go. For I spend all 
my time in thinking over my sins ; and as those are 
something I have always with me, it could be done 
just as well at home. There, Kate,” continued Molly, 
with her musical laugh, “if you were only a man what 
a chance for a compliment! What a wasted oppor- 
tunity ! Never mind, I’ll treasure it up and bring it 
out some time for Mr. Carrington’s benefit. Poor fel- 
low! I suppose, though, he will never be quite as 
ready as he used to be, and will need every assistance 


184 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


I can give him to get off a good thing. It was per- 
fectly astonishing, Kate, the way he would turn every- 
thing one said into a compliment ! But, of course, 
you’ve been so much with him you must have noticed 
it yourself.” 

Though Molly Tracy seemed to take this for granted, 
Kate thought she detected a slight interrogation in her 
voice, and, too frank to ignore it, or perhaps in defi- 
ance of a sensation of annoyance that came to her as 
she heard the tone of proprietary interest with which 
her friend spoke of Henry Carrington, she replied, — 

“No, Molly; I suppose Mr. Carrington kept that 
accomplishment for your particular benefit.” 

“ Nonsense, Kate !” was the rejoinder, with the cus- 
tomary air of modest rebuke. 

“ And, as far as I’ve heard, you need have no fear 
of any change in his characteristics,” Kate continued, 
laughingly. “ In short, he will be just as pleasant as 
you choose to think him, dear.” 

“ It’s very easy to see what is the matter with you, 
my dear,” thought Molly, and then aloud, “ If I had 
stopped to think, I might have known he was just the 
same. You should have seen the note, Kate.” As if 
suddenly smitten with the idea of an indiscretion, she 
stopped, played with the button of her glove in some 
embarrassment, and then, looking up with a bright 
smile, went on : “Well, as I have let it out, I may as 
well go on. This note was to mamma, thanking her 
for some trifles, but it was just full of praise of a cer- 
tain person !” And conscious that there had been a 
sufficient display of euphuism to satisfy ordinary re- 
quirements, but not enough to hide her own person- 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


185 


ality, she again cast down her eyes, thus suiting the 
action to the word. 

Kate’s thought was that Mr. Carrington was cer- 
tainly the worst flirt she had ever heard of. 

“ Why, Molly, this is getting serious, and I only 
hope it may be all as you believe! But some people 
think him rather fickle.” 

“ Thanks, dear !” was the confident answer. “ But 
you see I don’t believe much in what other people 
think ! Why, they did say he was attentive to you, 
and we all know there was nothing in that!” 

Here she laughed pleasantly, and Kate joined in, 
but presently rose to pull down a shade, remarking, as 
she did so, on the glare. 

“ So you can understand,” went on the visitor, “ how 
the poor fellow must be longing to get out. How do 
you amuse him ? I suppose you hardly indulge in 
anything as heavy as ‘ Froude’ ?” 

“ Why, Molly Tracy ! you don’t seriously suppose I 
spend my time in reading to Mr. Carrington and 
amusing him? No, indeed! I should hope I have 
something better to do than that!” But this seeming 
rather stronger in words than thought, she hastened to 
add, “ Why should I ? He is able to read for himself; 
and then Aunt Kate gives up almost all her time to 
him, and I’m sure Jimmy Byan furnishes all the 
amusement he could possibly want !” 

“ Of course, you’re perfectly right, dear ! And then 
it might not be quite the thing till he comes down- 
stairs,” Molly suggested, quite ready to furnish any 
number of reasons for the better preservation of this 
desirable state of affairs. 


16 * 


186 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


“Did you hear that Pauline thought of leaving us?” 
asked Kate, dimly conscious that Miss Tracy was mak- 
ing herself extremely unpleasant, and desirous to find 
some other topic for discussion. 

“Yes; and I was so sorry, too! Where is she 
going ?” 

“ It depends upon what an uncle of hers writes her 
from France whether she goes back there or stays in 
America. She will know anyway in a few days.” 

“ But, if she don’t go to France, I suppose, of course, 
she will stay here with you ?” Molly questioned, with 
some curiosity. 

But Miss Tracy was the last person to whom Kate 
would have confided her belief as to the true reason 
which made Pauline anxious to change her residence, 
so she said, — 

“ No, probably not. I think she begins to find 
Biverdale a little too quiet, and would like to get back 
to the bustle of school-life.” 

“ Well, she’s a dear little thing, and I must certainly 
come and see her before she goes. Give her my best 
love, won’t you, Kate? And, if you should happen 
to see Mr. Carrington, it wouldn’t do any harm to say 
that I was here and asked after him.” Here she con- 
sulted an eccentric little watch at her belt: “Goodness! 
I had no idea how the time was going, and I promised 
to stop for mamma at Mrs. Hildreth’s ! Good-by, 
Kate. Thanks, ever so much, for the pattern, and 
come and see me soon, dear !” And bestowing a final 
kiss, she rustled away, well pleased at the result of her 
investigations. 


CHAPTER XX. 


Though Mrs. Hildreth was probably as great a 
contrast in temperament to her husband as could well 
be found, she would have been more than human had 
she not, at times, been swayed by the curious instinct 
called antipathy. And, as Mrs. Tracy was the chief 
and exciting cause that it had not remained in a merely 
rudimentary condition in her system, there was little 
chance of its perishing from inanition, for whatever 
that lady thought well to do was done to the utmost 
of her ability, and with such zeal that prejudice found 
abundant cases for decision. But nevertheless it would 
have occasioned some surprise to any one believing in 
the fitness of things to hear Mrs. Hildreth inveigh 
against Mrs. Tracy’s fondness for display in dress and 
jewels, her affectations and match-making propensities, 
while the doctor, by as great a change, but one that 
was in a measure imposed on him by the obvious ne- 
cessity of opposing his wife, could be heard railing at 
the lack of charity in women, harsh judgments, and 
the folly of meddling with what does not concern us. 

Mrs. Tracy, indeed, would have been unable to con- 
ceive it possible that Mrs. Hildreth could pass such se- 
vere strictures on any one, much less on herself, whose 
feeling towards the doctor’s wife was a compound of 
good-natured liking, an easy superiority, and that 
pleasing consciousness, when with her, of the necessity 
of dropping to a denser stratum of conversation, as 

187 


188 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


being better suited to people whose flights of fancy are 
but short and heavy. 

Mrs. Hildreth was unprepared for visitors when 
Mrs. Tracy’s card was brought. to her; and, as she lay 
swathed in her wrapper and absorbed in a novel, the 
heroine of which, to her mind, bore an extraordinary 
resemblance to Kate, and whose fortunes she was fol- 
lowing with corresponding interest, she thought for one 
wild moment of being “ not at home.” But she was 
aware that the doctor was probably within hearing, and 
would think nothing of bouncing out of his lair to in- 
form Mrs. Tracy that he knew his wife was in ; that it 
was all a mistake ; and then of completing what he had 
begun by rushing up to her room and talking to her 
all the way down-stairs, before she was half dressed. 

So, groaning, she submitted to fate and a tight 
“ waist,” and presently lapsed downward in slipshod 
fashion, and was straightway folded in Mrs. Tracy’s 
arms. This is, perhaps, an exaggeration, as a pair of 
light gloves only just appeared behind Mrs. Hildreth’s 
ample shoulders, though any shortcomings in this re- 
spect were more than compensated for by the sonority 
of the kiss rapidly bestowed on either cheek. To be 
kissed by an antipathy, and one, moreover, of whose 
complexion we have permitted ourselves to cherish a 
secret doubt, is a strain on good breeding to which, 
happily, circumstances seldom force us to submit. But 
as Mrs. Hildreth was too kind-hearted to show her 
distaste openly, she accordingly spent a great deal of 
time and thought in practising with the head various 
cunning motions and passes that, seemingly intended 
to show good-will by meeting Mrs. Tracy half-way, 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


189 


might enable her to avoid this shock to her nerves. 
These mysterious plunges and sidlings of the head were 
the cause of a great fright to the doctor, who, coming 
one day unseen on his wife while she was in full swing, 
thought it an undoubted stroke of paralysis, until reas- 
sured by the suddenness with which all motion ceased 
at the sound of his exclamation. Rather than expose 
herself to the infinitely worse scarifying that would in- 
evitably have followed a revelation of her true motive 
for this private and peculiar eccentricity, she was con- 
tent to be asked by the doctor, with his most sarcastic 
intonation,— 

“Ah, Mrs. Hildreth, qualifying yourself for the 
position of a first-class, life-size China mandarin, eh? 
Well, I must confess it would gratify me to see you 
set up in that capacity ; I should think it would just 
suit your fondness for quiet. Perhaps you imagine, 
by wagging your head in that absurd way, the brain- 
power can be enlarged and strengthened by exercising 
it as you would a muscle ? No, indeed ! And cer- 
tainly not in your case, Mrs. Hildreth, for I can hear 
it rattle like a pea in a bladder, even from this dis- 
tance !” 

But once in the presence of Mrs. Tracy, she indeed 
seemed paralyzed, and all preparation and cunning of 
fence were wasted against the hawk-like dash with 
which that lady’s somewhat thin features were buried 
in the yielding surfaces of Mrs. Hildreth’s plump 
cheeks. 

“ How delightful it must be to have a doctor in the 
family, and such a doctor ! It quite does away with 
the necessity of asking how our dear Mrs. Hildreth 


190 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


is!” remarked Mrs. Tracy, releasing her prey and 
sweeping her rustling silks into position as she seated 
herself. 

“You might think your medicine too expensive,” 
rejoined Mrs. Hildreth, with sententious bitterness, as 
she thought of the only reason that had induced her 
to submit to Mrs. Tracy’s caresses, and furtively at- 
tempted, with her handkerchief, to relieve one cheek 
of the stigma that might be attached to it. 

“ Ah, we have the toothache ? I notice we often hold 
a handkerchief to our dear face,” said Mrs. Tracy, 
sympathetically, but, as usual, not denying herself the 
use of an exasperating and somewhat indefinite per- 
sonal pronoun, — presumably an unwieldy paraphrase 
of a colloquial and endearing form of speech said to 
be much in vogue in foreign languages, — and which 
she assured her friends, almost with self-pity and as a 
warning, was a lamentable result of too-extended travel 
and acquaintance with strange tongues. 

“ Oh, no ; it’s the heat ! Don’t you find the room 
very warm ? Do throw open your cloak ?” answered 
Mrs. Hildreth, nervously, and taking advantage of the 
occasion to thoroughly cleanse the other cheek. 

But Mrs. Tracy, from the non-arrival of a friend 
who was to bring with her the latest news from Paris 
in the shape of a sacque, found herself compelled to 
defend the apparently unseasonable contrast between 
the heavy, fur-trimmed one she wore and the new bon- 
net and dress. And as, by means of an annoying cold, 
M. Porthos modestly accounted to his fellow-musketeers 
for a brilliant but unnecessarily weighty addition to his 
costume, so Mrs. Tracy, actuated, it is true, by precisely 


DOCTOR HILDRETH . 


191 


opposite motives, contracting herself with an explan- 
atory shiver, said, — 

“ If &las ! It's all very well for you good people who 
can house yourselves to think it warm, but where there 
are daughters to look after and a large visiting list be- 
sides to take one constantly out, it’s a very different 
thing. There is a raw wind blowing that is positively 
wintry, so let me advise our dear Mrs. Hildreth to 
wrap up warmly if she goes out.” 

“ The doctor wants me to go with him this after- 
noon, so there is no fear of my not keeping warm 
enough,” was the answer, accompanied by a long- 
drawn breath at the thought. 

“ How fast the doctor walks for so short a man ! If 
it tires us, why don’t we set ourselves against it? I 
am sure, if we refused to move, that even all that dear 
man’s energy couldn’t make us,” replied Mrs. Tracy, 
with playful but well-intentioned advice. But Mrs. 
Hildreth found ample grounds for offence in this , re- 
mark, and solidifying into a show of resentment, she 
answered, — 

“ The doctor and I never have any difference of 
opinion, Mrs. Tracy ! And as I know he can tell best 
what is good for me in the way of exercise, I shouldn’t 
think of setting myself against it ! And so, you see, 
though he is short and I am stout , we manage to get 
along just as well as though we were ever so much 
taller and thinner!” And as near an approach to a 
sneer could be seen on her lips as had ever appeared 
there. 

“J’en suis silre, my dear Mrs. Hildreth must have a 
headache, at least, or she never would have so mis- 


192 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


understood me ! Of course, I meant immovable only 
by comparison with the fly-away, thread-paper creature 
I am. And, really, I often wonder at your firmness ! 
For I am so afraid of the doctor that I could fly sooner 
than refuse to do what he told me !” replied Mrs. 
Tracy, with evasive politeness. But Mrs. Hildreth 
sturdily declined to accept the headache suggested as 
explanatory of her warmth, and, dropping the subject 
with scant ceremony, asked, — 

“ How are the girls ?” 

u Jane is well, quite well, though almost too happy ! 
For I sometimes tell her she is mistaken in letting our 
dear Fred Parker absorb her thoughts so entirely; 
and ask her what she would do if he were taken from 
her,” answered Mrs. Tracy, her pious eyes directed 
towards the chandelier, and once more putting into 
words the visionary and insane belief of the possibility 
of discounting sorrow by a deduction from present joys. 
u Molly, cher enfant , is also too much governed by her 
affections, and is not as well as I could wish, though I 
don’t mind telling you that there is a possibility, I 
may even say a probability, of her shortly becoming as 
happy as Jane !” 

The reticence of this speech being calculated to ex- 
cite a maddening curiosity in most feminine bosoms, 
though Mrs. Hildreth, who, at times, closely resembled 
a contemplative Brahmin of the fourth order, merely 
said, in a far-away manner, — 

“ Indeed ? Is it possible ?” 

And Mrs. Tracy, concealing her vexation with as 
much success as certain light-minded people who, hav- 
ing a fondness for tricks, remark in off-hand fashion, 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


193 


“ Take a card !” but do not succeed in forcing the one 
necessarily leading to surprises, continued, — 

“ Yes; but of course this is strictly entre nous. I 
brought the child out with me to day for a little fresh 
air and change, but she stopped to see Kate Loring. 
i Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also/ 
you know.” Mrs. Hildreth slightly stirred at this, 
but was still dumb. And Mrs. Tracy, determined to 
elicit some expression of opinion, tossed a small hand- 
grenade in the direction of her friend by remarking : 
“ A propos de bottes , how nice it would be if Sam Ellis 
took a fancy to Kate !” 

“ Sam Ellis ! Why, Kate would as soon think of 
marrying Jimmy Ryan !” with a contemptuous sniff at 
the suggestion. 

“ Well, it wouldn^ be such a bad thing for her. 
There is enough difference in their ages, and he has 
money,” Mrs. Tracy rejoined, being slightly nettled at 
the ignominy with which her remark had been treated. 

“ If he had all the money between here and Boston, 
and was fifty years older,” for such is the inconsequence 
of statement in argument, “ Kate Loring wouldn’t have 
him !” was the uncompromising reply. 

“ Perhaps our dear Mrs. Hildreth has some other 
project in view for her prot6g6? In that case I can 
understand her speaking so positively.” 

“Kate certainly don’t need my protection, of all 
people; and I think things have gone so far that out- 
side interference from any one won’t do any good,” 
said the doctor’s wife, who, in common with Miss 
Morton, had suspected her visitor of designs that might 
interfere with other hopes; and now, having ample 
i 17 


104 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


confirmation, thought it advisable to put up a notice to 
trespassers. But Mrs. Tracy was disposed to dispute 
this right of free-warren, and said, with ill-concealed 
annoyance, — 

“ Of course every one thinks because Mr. Carrington 
paid her some attention at first, and because he was 
hurt in doing what he would have done for any one 
else, that his attentions must be serious. On the con- 
trary, I have very good reason to believe that his affec- 
tions are fixed elsewhere.” 

“ I differ from you,” was the sturdy answer. 

“Let me advise our dear Mrs. Hildreth to place 
confidence in one who has seen a great deal of the world, 
and who does not speak without good authority.” 

“ I’ve been to Europe too, and I don’t feel that it 
gives me any claim to interfere in other people’s af- 
fairs !” from Mrs. Hildreth, who was now thoroughly 
aroused and in a quiver of excitement. 

“ It would hardly seem necessary to explain that I 
spoke from a social and not a geographical point of 
view,” with a sarcastic but slightly hysterical laugh 
from Mrs. Tracy, who was beginning to think her an- 
tagonist one of the most thoroughly disagreeable women 
it had ever been her lot to meet. 

“ I don’t see what the 1 point of view’ has to do with 
it ! I simply say if you suppose your Molly has any 
chance against Kate Loring, why, it’s perfectly absurd, 
that’s all !” 

This was so frank a statement that the visitor felt 
that nothing was left to be done but to retire. And it 
is difficult to conceive that Mrs. Hildreth should not 
have escaped her customary embrace, though to man it 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


195 


is simply astounding what a tide of adverse circum- 
stances may be stemmed in order to attain this coveted 
point. 

But in the unusual guise of a peace-maker, the doc- 
tor entered, saying, as he pushed his glasses well up on 
his forehead and wiped a pen on the skirt of his coat, — 

“ How do, Mrs. Tracy? Don’t go yet! I’ve just 
left my work to have a chat with you. You ought 
not to wear a heavy cloak like that in such weather, 
my good woman ; sure to give you cold, you know. 
Susan, I’m surprised you didn’t ask Mrs. Tracy to 
take it off!” 

“ Oh, Mrs. Hildreth has said everything that is kind 
and polite !” was the icy reply, and finding it difficult 
to possess her soul in patience on the subject of outer 
garments. 

“ I’m sure I intended to, at any rate.” 

“I must say, Mrs. Hildreth, I wish you would take 
your exercise in a more natural way ! You tire your- 
self unnecessarily by trying to do more than your share 
in paving the way to a certain place !” said the doctor, 
casually taking a shot at his wife, who, at times, loomed 
before him in so large and attractive a manner that, 
inspired by the same feeling which actuates the urchin 
in whose way both cat and stone are providentially 
thrown, it was simply impossible he should hold his 
hand. 

Although much vexed at the result of her visit, 
Mrs. Tracy was not at all desirous that he should know 
the cause of it, and, laughing airily, she said, — 

“ Oh, you funny man ! What severe things you do 
say ! Jf our dear wife wasn’t so very good-tempered, I 


196 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


should think she might be very cross with you some- 
times.” 

“ You are right, Mrs. Tracy, I have a great deal to 
try my temper at times; and I think it’s just as well 
to show some people I have one,” Mrs. Hildreth an- 
swered, as, with all her faculties on the alert, she de- 
tected undue stress on the tribute to her qualities. 

Though it would have been difficult to find other 
three people with so small an allowance of tact be- 
tween them, the doctor at last became conscious that it 
might be advisable to turn the conversation, and this 
was effectually accomplished after the following fashion : 

“ Any engagements on the tapis t As we say in 
Paris, Anything new or startling in the matrimonial 
line ?” 

Before replying, Mrs. Tracy made use of the “ code,” 
and hoisted a private signal for Mrs. Hildreth’s benefit, 
desiring her to remember that what had passed between 
them on this subject had been in the strictest confi- 
dence, and then said, — 

“ No ; I am the last person in the world to apply to 
for information on such matters. Vraiement , I hear 
nothing of what goes on since my dearest Jane found her 
affinity. Naturally, the sweet child is absorbed in her 
approaching marriage ; and Molly is almost morbidly 
sad at the idea of the separation ; while, I need hardly 
say, I am so wrapt up in both that, aside from them 
and their needs, I am hardly conscious of living.” 

“ Jane’s soul is in her trousseau, Molly is wishing 
she was in her place, and you are trying to keep down 
expenses, eh ?” was the doctor’s version of the state of 
affairs. 


DOCTOR HILDRETH . 


197 


“ According to what Mrs. Tracy says, Molly’s wish- 
ing will soon be over,” interjected his wife. 

It is impossible to believe that Mrs. Hildreth would 
so far depart from all the traditions of her sex as to 
wilfully disregard her visitor’s signal. And it is easier 
to suppose — to carry out the figure — that Mrs. Tracy 
had inadvertently jammed her halliards, or that, in her 
haste, some other communication of a confusing nature 
was run up in place of the one intended. 

“ Sammy Ellis, eh ? Well, she might do worse ! He 
must be a trifle older, to put it mildly, but then he’s 
easily managed, and has money, which covers a multi- 
tude of sins. N’est-ge-pas , Mrs. Tracy ?” 

Although Dr. Hildreth disavowed any knowledge 
of French, he at times stultified himself by employing 
an occasional word or phrase as a reminder to others 
that there was no inherent difficulty in its use, but that 
simply a question of taste was involved. 

But Mrs. Tracy was in so utterly disgusted a frame 
of mind at the idea of this appropriation to Molly of 
one who had been ignominiously rejected for Kate, 
that she was wholly unable to reply, and was again 
helped through by Mrs. Hildreth. 

“Mrs. Tracy don’t mean that, Frank; she thinks 
Mr. Carrington more likely to care for Molly.” 

This seemed to the doctor beneath any serious com- 
ment, and in an easy tone of superiority, intended to 
close the question beyond peradventure, he remarked, — 

“ Pooh, pooh ! Nonsense ! Mrs. Tracy is too wise 
a woman to waste her time after that fashion. You 
must have misunderstood her !” 

Mrs,, Tracy was now gasping in the vain endeavor to 
17 * 


198 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


say something, and her eyes rolling helplessly beneath 
this pressure on her brain, so that it was an immense 
relief to espy Molly coming in at the gate. And, 
much to Mrs. Hildreth’s surprise, there was a sudden 
rise, two steps in her direction, a modified peck at each 
cheek, and saying, — 

“There’s Molly at last! so I will join her outside. 
Take care of our dear head, and don’t come to the 
door !” And, with a nod to the doctor and the rustling 
of a gown, Mrs. Tracy was gone. It is to be hoped, find- 
ing sufficient comfort in Molly’s report to compensate 
for what the elder lady might well call un mauvais quart 
d’heure. 


CHAPTER, XXL 


Some may, with good reason and without self-flat- 
tery, feel that they are the stronger for opposition; 
care nothing for what “ people say,” so long as they do 
what seems to them good, and, indeed, do push more 
strongly in ostentatious defiance of the thorny edges 
of criticism by which we are surrounded. But few 
are of such strength that they do not place others 
above them as fitted to pronounce upon the merits of 
their life and work. Certain worthy people, indeed, 
aflect to despise praise as they might blame, but by 
reference to a sensitive and self-registering instrument, 
which is part of our miscellaneous outfit, we find read- 
ings which enable us to meet these pretensions by a 
momentarily superior smile. And, as for most of us, 
appreciation and good-will are as necessary as a plenti- 
ful supply of oxygen, to a cheerful endurance of the 
large additional pressure of circumstances on each 
square inch of our frames beyond the fifteen pounds 
to which the atmosphere sets up a prior and unques- 
tioned claim. 

Indiscreet and unstinted approval may indeed be 
considered worthless, though of the truth of this we 
are better qualified to satisfy others than ourselves, 
and the higher the esteem we feel for those from whom 
we are content to accept it, the higher shall seem that 

199 


200 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


we gain ; and if withheld, the more uneasy are we 
until it be won, or, as is often the case, we have trans- 
ferred our allegiance to some less exacting critic. 

If, then, the opinion of those — for whom we have, 
perhaps, merely the respect and admiration due to suc- 
cessful “ specialists” in morals or culture — be so potent 
to govern our happiness, how much more dependent 
must we be on that of any one person to whom we 
voluntarily confide the power to make the whole world 
bright to us or correspondingly dark? How careful, 
then, should be our choice ! how judicious the selection ! 
But, no ! Always with blind trust that this power, 
of subtle and unknown strength, which we ourselves 
create, will be used but in the way most pleasing to us, 
always certain that our seemingly prodigal generosity 
will be imitated, — for, like savages, we give freely with 
one hand, but are disappointed if the other return 
empty, — too often a dark shadow creeps far ahead, and 
the outstretched, expectant hand drops nerveless at the 
side. For this power is love ! For some, no pharos 
throws a steadier, truer light ; no wrecker’s flame of 
drift-wood so delusive to lure others to destruction. 

It may be said that the more rapturous the prelude 
and the stronger the protestations of admiration, the 
greater must be the violence done to those feelings of 
modesty which so adorn man when he is constrained 
to attempt to prove himself worthy of the intimate 
associations of love. Naturally, since the element of 
self plays so important a part in such cases, the reac- 
tion must be stronger and the “ pangs of despised 
love,” for a time, keener to man than to woman. For, 
though she may suffer longer, at worst it is but a dull, 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


201 


uneasy sensation, while to him the pain is acute. For, 
in addition to the abiding sense of loss, the knowl- 
edge that his own valuation is considered excessive, 
remains with him like an arrow-head in a rankling 
wound ; and a haunting suspicion of ridicule, as the 
dread lest the barb have been poisoned. 

In Henry Carrington’s case scorn had feathered 
this shaft. And, though anger may be laughed at or 
avoided, as the heavy, two-handed sword, contempt, 
like the keen rapier, finds its way through the crevices 
of our armor ; even innocence availing little to keep 
it out. For the conviction that its user has taken 
higher ground than ourselves is a staggering fact; 
and, as all innocence is comparative, we find no diffi- 
culty in applying the unpleasant half-truth to some 
other occasion. 

A few weeks before he had felt assured that the 
richest gift life could bring him would be Kate Lor- 
ing’s love. But now these uneasy feelings, which float 
about in our narrow horizon unnoticed, while all else 
is bright, had come together thickly, preventing any 
chance of observations that would have told him of 
his whereabouts and shutting out of view the star by 
which he had measured the rapidly-lessening distance 
to harbor. He now bitterly regretted that he had 
attempted any expostulations with her. 

“ Why not have accepted the unmistakable hints 
she had given him, that all between them was at an 
end ? Why subject himself to humiliation when the 
result was a foregone conclusion? And the flirtation, 
or by whatever name might be called the attempt to 
lead on a man to make a fool of himself, had become 

i* 


202 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


tiresome to her. Perhaps, after all, it served him 
right! He had deliberately done what he had re- 
solved not to do: had heedlessly shown a girl that 
he loved her before he knew whether she cared for 
him. But no, thank heaven ! there was at least that 
to show he was not quite a conceited idiot! For if 
ever girl showed a man — in a lady-like way, of course 
— that she was fond of him, Kate Loring was the one. 
To be honest, he didn’t really believe that Kate had 
merely flirted with him. But what did that matter? 
It was worse to let her passions run away with her 
like that, and he was simply a fool to give her another 
thought.” 

It is sad to represent a temporary hero in such a 
mood; but the only reality of heroism is the possi- 
bility we feel of rising to its level ourselves, and it 
need not be stated that all our steps do not carry us 
upward. 

Though, at present, Miss Morton was nominally the 
head of the house, and, as such, the one to make him 
welcome, it was impossible that Carrington should feel 
at ease while under the same roof with a girl who had 
told him that he had been guilty of conduct which 
admitted of no explanation, and against which any 
display of bravery seemed no sufficient offset. There 
was then little to tempt him to lengthen his stay, and, 
on the day following Mrs. Tracy’s kindly efforts to 
provide for his future welfare, much to the surprise of 
all, and greatly to Miss Morton’s disgust, he appeared 
at the breakfast-table and announced his intention of 
going home that morning. 

Since the night before, Pauline had been radiant, for 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


203 


all doubts as to her future were set at rest by the 
arrival of a letter from M. Sauret, containing assur- 
ances of unchanged affection for “ sa ch&re Pauline ;” 
his determination to devote the remainder of his life 
to her; the fullest agreement to all conditions she 
might impose; and finally, careful advice as to the 
best and most profitable mode of transmitting her 
savings to France. Undoubtedly M. Sauret had often 
thought, with regret, of the bright, handsome girl 
who reflected such credit on his taste, but, quite as 
surely, his decision had been swayed by the knowledge 
that her Economies, in addition to the sum she had 
named as a possible gift from Mr. Loring, would com- 
fortably increase his income when turned into high- 
sounding francs. 

In the first flush of her joy, Pauline had thought for 
a moment of telling Kate everything. “ But such rev- 
elations might have a bad effect on parting generosity, 
and, besides, are by no means pleasant communications 
to make. And then, too, she was a long Avay from 
being quits with Mr. Carrington yet. Perhaps after a 
time, when he had been sufficiently punished, she 
might write and clear him; but, for the present, it 
would be wiser to leave well alone.” Singularly 
enough, too, though Kate had always treated her with 
the greatest consideration, and had loaded her witli 
presents, “ the still small voice of gratitude” seemed, in 
her case, to be stiller and smaller than is usual, and 
made no impression whatever. Indeed, any suffering 
which might come to Kate appeared only a reasonable 
set-off against the dull glow of resentment which had 
often tormented Pauline when thinking of the differ- 


204 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


ence in their lives. So, when she sorrowfully an- 
nounced to Kate that her stay would only be limited 
by the time it took her to pack, there was a piquant 
sense of a situation, in quietly displaying the outside 
of a letter, ostensibly from the fictitious uncle, which, 
could she have known its contents, would indeed have 
been a revelation to the other girl. A sense of power, 
too, in being able to grasp the destinies of these two 
people in the hollow of one small hand, as she did this 
very letter, and of moulding their lives in accordance 
with her views. But that her supposititious wrongs 
should be clearly stamped on Kate’s memory no pleas- 
ure must be seen; no other motive for her departure be 
visible but that indicated by a settled melancholy, a 
studied languor of carriage, and an air of self-pity, 
pointed by inquiries after Carrington’s health, often to 
be broken by, apparently, a rush of sorrowful recollec- 
tions. 

But, clever actress though she was, she was not quite 
prepared for the new warmth of manner shown by 
Carrington as he made the circuit of the table to shake 
hands with her on his first appearance down-stairs. 
And Pauline felt more disconcerted at an inconsistent 
tear that, welling from unknown depths of a purer 
source, suddenly blinded her than if her double-dealing 
had at the instant become known to those present. 
Kate was mystified by what she saw. If she had 
guessed rightly, it seemed incomprehensible that there 
should be no constraint, but rather on the part of Car- 
rington the wish to openly convey the idea of sympa- 
thy or the expression of an obligation. But her atten- 
tion was quickly diverted by the necessity of making 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


205 


lier own recognition sufficiently cool to show him that, 
though others might pardon, whatever grounds she had 
had for displeasure remained in full force. And as, on 
his side, he knew Miss Morton had been told by Kate 
herself that they were not on good terms, and as feel- 
ings of annoyance were just at present uppermost in 
his mind, he saw no reason for further concealment of 
the fact, and, accordingly, his bow, in acknowledgment 
of Kate’s ceremonious greeting, was as carefully grad- 
uated as though they then met for the first time. 

“ I must say I think you are very foolish to talk of 
leaving us so soon, Henry,” said Miss Morton. “And 
I think it would be much more prudent to wait for 
two or three days; at any rate, till the doctor gives his 
consent.” 

“ That’s just the reason I shall slip away as soon as 
possible, for I know his intentions about keeping me 
in are villanous ! Why, if I had been an Irishman 
and got this rap at a fair, I should have been about 
my work several days ago.” The truth of this asser- 
tion not altogether sustained by a very pale face and 
nervous manner. 

“ At least you will let Thomas drive you down ? 
Or perhaps Kate might like to take you in her pony- 
carriage?” suggested Miss Morton, thinking to afford 
opportunity for explanation. 

“I am sorry ” began Kate, when Carrington 

interrupted her by saving, hurriedly and stiffly, — 

“I couldn’t think of troubling Miss Loring; so, if 
you think it necessary I should ride, Thomas can take 
me down in an hour.” 

“ Oh, don’t consult me ! If you valued my advice 
18 


206 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


a particle, you wouldn’t go at all !” rejoined the old 
lady, not pleased at the unceremonious way in which 
her proposal was brushed aside. 

“ Now, Aunt Kitty, don’t think me ungrateful for 
your goodness. And believe me, I shall never forget 
all the kindness you have shown me!” he replied, 
impulsively holding out his hand as he spoke. She 
clasped it in her own and answered, looking the while 
at Kate, who seemed in some sort an aggressor, — 

“ We are the ones that ought to feel all the grati- 
tude, as we might have been murdered in our beds if 
it hadn’t been for you ! And I am only surprised that 
a niece of mine should show so little of it, and in her 
own house, too !” This was so explicit that Kate felt 
there was no avoiding an answer. Raising her eyes to 
meet her aunt’s, she said, — 

“ If Mr. Carrington thinks that his bravery has not 
been properly appreciated by me, he is mistaken. And 
it has only been want of opportunity that has pre- 
vented my saying as much before this,” turning slightly 
to him as she ended. 

After a certain intimacy of love or friendship has 
been reached, thanks are seldom necessary, or, if called 
for by any extraordinary sacrifice, are shown so much 
better by looks than words, that any formal expression 
of gratitude has no penetrating power and reaches us 
dully, as through an unused sense, in a mocking echo 
savoring of unoriginality. 

Accordingly, with an unpleasant laugh, Carrington 
rejoined, — 

“ Indeed, it was not worth your while to light that 
candle, Miss Loring. The game isn’t really worth it. 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


207 


You have taken such pains to explain the state of affairs 
before, that I can see tolerably well, even in the dark.” 

As was intended, Kate had no difficulty in under- 
standing the drift of this remark, though to Miss 
Morton it was sufficiently enigmatical. But since her 
niece seemed inclined to make amends, however tar- 
dily, there could be no harm in coming to her assist- 
ance, — 

“ I am sure, Kate, you showed sympathy very 
plainly on the night of the burglary ; but then it does 
no harm, my dear r to tell people besides when you feel 
obliged.” 

Coloring deeply with annoyance as she saw Carring- 
ton glance wonderingly at her, Kate said, hastily, — 

“ Whatever I did then was caused by excitement, 
and I should feel obliged, Aunt Kate, if you didn’t 
bring it up to me ! And if Mr. Carrington attaches 
any importance to my thanks, he has them now,” for 
the first time looking him full in the face. 

“ Words fail to express the value they are to me, 
and I shall remember them with other mysterious 
things that have puzzled me since our acquaintance.” 

“ I have too much regard for the feelings of other 
people, if you have not, to be forced into any more 
explanations,” she replied, glancing involuntarily to- 
wards Pauline. 

As Mile. Bertrand listened uneasily to this interchange 
of shots, she was mournfully inscribing on her plate with 
a fork the figures of certain moneys — hinted at by Miss 
Morton as likely to be forthcoming on her departure 
— in pathetic recognition of their fleeting character, 
should these blundering people unconsciously brush 


208 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


against her flimsy web. She had doubts of her recep- 
tion from M. Sauret should she return empty-handed ; 
and the idea recurred to her that in any event it might 
be well to meet Mr. Ellis again. He had evidently 
reached such a pass that, with but slight encourage- 
ment on her part, he could be induced to declare him- 
self. And though, in the first flush of her joy at the 
idea of once more being in France, she would have 
contemptuously rejected the idea of staying in Fiver- 
dale, certainly, Mr. Ellis was by far the richer man, 
easier controlled, and then, with travel — yes, it must 
be reconsidered. But Carrington’s answer to Kate 
quickly relieved her from any anxiety as to the danger 
of present discoveries. 

u Don’t have the slightest fear of any such intention 
on my part. There has been enough and to spare 
already. Aunt Kitty, you say you feel under some 
obligations to me ? That being the case, I claim the 
right to bury the whole subject of the robbery and 
everything connected with it so deep that it will never 
trouble us again. I declare, as it is, I am strongly 
tempted to run away altogether, rather than hear any 
more about it !” 


CHAPTER XXII. 


It might be supposed that the labor entailed on Dr. 
Hildreth by his humane attempts to keep all friends 
and acquaintance, whether of high or low degree, in 
the path which seemed to him best for them to follow, 
would prevent that close attention individual affairs at 
times require. But his feelings of personal friendship 
often overcame those that urged him to strive to en- 
lighten the mass rather than to fritter away his time 
on the petty needs and complications of a favored few. 
So, putting aside for the time all thought of prisons, 
politics, or reform in village government by a conscious 
effort, he brought to bear on the case in question the 
large understanding of a comprehensive and active 
brain. This concentration of acute and powerful fac- 
ulties seldom failed to unravel any mystery to his own 
satisfaction, if not to that of those more directly inter- 
ested. And never did he strive with such zest as when 
it became clear to him that Henry Carrington and 
Kate Loring were, as he expressed it, “ making a mud- 
dle of their happiness.” For once, at least, he was in 
sympathy with a majority, but easily outran its slow- 
moving wishes in favor of the match by the fervor 
with which he resolved that “they should marry 
whether they wanted to or not, and in spite of any 
idiotic misunderstandings.” 

By an unaccountable inspiration of tact, he saw the 
18 * 209 


210 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


folly of reasoning with them until he had armed him- 
self with a perfect understanding of facts; and by an 
equally astounding foresight he recognized the proba- 
bility of a rebuff should he attempt to gather these from 
either side. Accordingly, he questioned his wife and 
Miss Morton closely as to what they had observed, but 
with an air of indifference, as not caring that they should 
know him to be in sympathy with feminine schemes. 

As Mrs. Hildreth could only say that “ it was the 
strangest thing she had ever heard of,” and express her 
private belief that “ it was some of Mrs. Tracy’s under- 
hand doings,” it was easy, both mentally and aloud, to 
characterize this reasoning as “ nonsensical rubbish.” 
His investigations were continued over a game of crib- 
bage with Miss Morton ; and as the distractions caused 
by his questions led to forgetfulness in pegging, the 
doctor found immediate reward for his trouble in the 
glow of satisfaction with which he transferred the 
omitted points to his own score. “Only five cards, 
Miss Morton. Thanks ! So mamselle made a goose 
of herself, eh ? And what did Kate do then ? By the 
way, as you seem to think two-for-his-heels beneath 
your notice, I’ll just take them myself.” 

“ Take it, then ; I was thinking of something else. 
Well, as I remember, Kate didn’t seem to pay much 
attention, though, to be sure, she got up directly after. 
Why, do you think she could have been jealous ?” 

“ You know your own sex better than I can possibly 
hope to,” said the doctor, modestly ; “ but I supposed 
Kate was more sensible than most girls.” But while 
the hand was being played, he noted the suggestion as 
worthy of future consideration, and then continued, 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


211 


“ I don’t attach much importance to the matter my- 
self ; it’s their own affair, of course, and if they choose 
to quarrel it’s no business of mine, thank heaven ! I’ll 
take three for that sequence you forgot to count. It’s 
not much, but every little helps.” 

“ There is no use in going on, doctor. I can’t pos- 
sibly play and talk at the same time !” she exclaimed, 
a little annoyed, as the game drew to a close, leaving 
the doctor but a few points to go. 

“ If you can substantiate that as a fact, Miss Mor- 
ton, I shall look at you in amazement. For to my 
knowledge nothing before ever interfered with that 
glorious privilege of your sex.” 

u If our sex was distinguished by that gift only, I 
know some men who would be constantly mistaken for 
us !” was the significant retort. 

“Never mind, this will only put me two games 
ahead,” he replied, not missing her meaning, but pre- 
ferring, as a retaliatory measure, to furnish Miss Mor- 
ton with a manifestly insufficient excuse for annoyance 
rather than to show any himself. 

“Why should it, since the game is mine? Instead 
of putting you two ahead, it leaves the score just even, 
according to my calculation !” said Miss Morton, as 
she triumphantly counted enough in her crib to run 
out the game. 

“ If I had been able to give close attention to the 
petty details of cribbage, instead of having my mind 
running on your niece’s welfare, probably I should 
have won the game,” said the doctor, loftily, as he 
rose, and came back to more serious matters, but with 
a sense of deadened interest. 


212 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


“ I thought you seemed to watch it very closely, 
considering your mind was so taken up with other 
things. But never mind that now. What do you 
think we had better do ? Shall I ask Mile. Bertrand 
what she meant by her behavior?” 

“ No, decidedly not ! if you don’t wish to make a 
mess of the whole affair! However, if you really 
think it worth while to take any trouble about a boy- 
and-girl squabble,” stifling a yawn as he spoke, “I’ll 
take the matter in hand.” 

Miss Morton expressing her surprise that he should 
ask such a question, he went on, — 

“ Well, then, when I take mamselle down to the* 
steamer to-morrow, I’ll sound her, and see if she 
knows anything about it. But you mustn’t show any 
ill-will to her, or it would put her on her guard.” 

After a tearful parting between the girls on the fol- 
lowing day and the exchange of a last look which, on 
the one side, meant Remember ! and on the other, 
Trust me ! Pauline started, under Dr. Hildreth’s es- 
cort. But, long before the journey came to an end, he 
was a baffled and much -vexed man. 

In vain he waited until Pauline had apparently for- 
gotten the matter which was uppermost in his mind, 
and then, with seeming carelessness, led her towards 
pitfalls, not distinguishable from other solid conversa- 
tional ground ; but innocently avoiding them, though 
so slightly that the doctor could not escape the uneasy 
conviction that he was being played with, she talked 
steadily on of, apparently, everything that entered her 
pretty little head. 

But, at last, when she said she hoped Kate would 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 213 

marry soon and come out to see her, he lost patience 
and replied, sharply, — 

“ A great many people think if it hadn’t been for 
you, mamselle, there wouldn’t be any doubt about it !” 
But her surprise was so well done that he was obliged 
to explain of what she had been suspected, and for his 
trouble had only this reply, — 

“ What unkindness ! Ah, but now I do not feel 
such regret at leaving as before ! However, the poor 
people of Riverdale, they have so little to occupy them 
it is not strange they amuse themselves with such in- 
ventions.” 

“ Perhaps, then, you wouldn’t mind writing a line 
to say that Mr. Carrington never paid you any atten- 
tions ? And that you only acted so wildly on the night 
of the burglary because you were a woman?” said 
Dr. Hildreth, artlessly, and with difficulty controlling 
a strong desire to shake the truth out of her. 

Not concealing her amusement at this proposition, 
Pauline answered, — 

“ Ah, doctor, you think you know women to such 
extent, and ask me to do such a thing? But Kate 
would never forgive me or Mr. Carrington if I re- 
vealed I thought she was jealous ! And also I could 
not say there were no attentions from him !” 

Dr. Hildreth now buried himself in his newspaper, 
and nothing more was said on the subject until they 
were about to separate. Pauline had now given up 
all hope of Mr. Ellis, since he had not responded to 
an earnestly-worded note ; and, feeling secure as she 
stood inside her state-room, with a bill of exchange in 
her pocket, she suddenly said, — 


214 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


“ Look not so mournful, doctor ! I will give to you 
this much encouragement. You are right that you 
think I am the cause of Kate’s trouble ; but, if I told 
you more it would be unkindness. What would theu 
remain for Dr. Hildreth to busy himself with ? Ko, 
clier dodeur, on the contrary, you should be thankful 
that I show such consideration to find you employ- 
ment ! So, unless you go with me to France, adieu !” 
And, with a bang, a door closed in his face as Pauline 
disappeared, leaving him dazed and conscious of defeat. 

A few moments afterwards he had made his way 
pugnaciously through the hurrying crowd to the wharf; 
had angrily turned to see who it was that, dashing 
hastily aboard, brushed so unceremoniously by him 
and stood, open-mouthed, as he saw Mr. Ellis vanish 
from sight. 


CHAPTER XXIII. 


For a few days after Dr. Hildreth’s return to River- 
dale his wife was positively alarmed at his deep dejec- 
tion and humility, and with wife-like solicitude set her- 
self to restore him to his normal condition. But for a 
time her fascinations were exercised in vain. In vain she 
transgressed all edicts as to diet, advanced the most as- 
tonishing scientific theories, and flew most attractive kites 
to draw the doctor’s lightning. There was no response, 
or but a look of amazement sometimes accompanied by 
a start, as though he had been almost stung into action. 
But while Mrs. Hildreth, like some substantial 
nautch-girl, was mentally torturing both herself and 
the doctor by these strange posturings, habit was busily 
urging him to his old courses. And, as usual, proving 
stronger than the mock humility born of wounded 
pride, it was not long before his spirits regained that 
tone which enabled him to overlook Pauline’s injurious 
aspersions and to continue his well-intentioned en- 
deavors without too great violence to his self-esteem. 
From what he had gathered from Miss Morton, it was 
evident that Carrington was nearly as much in the 
dark as themselves, and that the only chance for suc- 
cessful intervention lay in convincing Kate that her 
suspicions had been groundless. But, as Pauline had 
pleasantly pointed out to him, the difficulty was to do 
this in a way that should not offend her pride and del- 

215 


216 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


icacy. He had gained so much that he now knew that 
Mile. Bertrand had taken active part in the matter; 
but, unlike Carrington, he was inclined to believe that 
she had been actuated by revenge rather than love. 
If, then, she had prejudiced Kate by word or deed, the 
proper counter-move would seem to be to prove that 
she was unworthy of confidence. And as Dr. Hildreth 
felt he was now openly set at defiance, he had no hesi- 
tation in breaking the promise — made through Car- 
rington — to say nothing as to their knowledge of Pau- 
line’s former life, which differed so materially from the 
pathetic little narration poured long ago into the sym- 
pathizing ears of her friends. 

One morning in May, when the scent of blossoms 
came in at the open windows on the warm breeze, and 
the birds were noisily chattering, Kate, oppressed by 
the quiet of the house, started out intending to ask 
Molly Tracy to go with her to the woods to look for 
wild-flowers. But as she passed the Hildreths’ house, 
the doctor, seeing her from his garden, and thinking 
this might be the very opportunity for which he had 
been looking, hastily sallied forth in pursuit. 

It was his intention to carefully avoid any reference 
to Carrington, but with premeditated carelessness to 
lead the way to a discussion of Pauline, and, as a use- 
ful beginning, to put Kate in possession of all that he 
himself knew. But to this wily doctor it seemed more 
diplomatic to make even their meeting appear the re- 
sult of chance. And, putting his hat over his eyes, he 
started off at a brisk pace. His thoughts were so ab- 
sorbing that he passed Kate without noticing her, and 
only stopped when she called to him. 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


217 


“ What, Kate, is that you ?” he said, turning back to 
join her. “I was just on my way to a” — consultation, 
he was about to say, when it occurred to him that there 
was no use in being untruthful, particularly as the in- 
vention of so pressing a call would seem to interfere 
with his purpose of staying with her — “ to take a little 
exercise.” 

“ You don’t have to go very far to find it, I should 
think,” she said, as he mopped his forehead in a theat- 
rical manner. 

“ It would do you good, my dear, if you went about 
it a little more energetically yourself,” he answered, as 
he spoke replacing his hat. u Why, Kate, I hadn’t 
noticed before how pale you are ! I must take you in 
hand before your father gets back ; it won’t do to let 
him suppose we haven’t taken care of his little girl.” 

“ He knows too well what kind-hearted people I 
have about me to think that,” slipping her hand under 
his arm and giving it an affectionate squeeze. 

He felt a pang of contrition that his sympathy had 
not been more real, but the belief that the only med- 
icine needed was happiness, and that this he was ad- 
ministering to the best of his knowledge, quickly dead- 
ened it. 

“ How far are you going ?” he asked. 

“ I was going to stop for Molly to go with me to the 
woods, but, of course, I should prefer your society.” 

“ Understand, once for all, Catherine Loring, that 
flattery is lost on me ! But if a half-hour of my com- 
pany is of any value to you, take it and welcome !” 

After a pause, Kate said, with a sigh, — 

“ You can’t think how I miss Pauline.” 


218 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


The doctor hastened to take advantage of the open- 
ing chance laid bare to him, and, with much meaning 
in his voice, replied, — 

“ Indeed ?” 

“ Yes ; why shouldn’t I ?” she answered, wonder- 
ingly. 

“ Oh, nothing of any consequence,” he said, lightly, 
but successfully conveying the suggestion that further 
inquiries might lead to surprising disclosures. 

“ That accounts for the cool way Aunt Kate said 
good-by to her. But, whatever it is, I ought to know 
it, so that I can defend her, since she has no chance to 
do it herself now.” 

“ Well, perhaps you are right. But your aunt don’t 
know what I thought of telling you, so it might be 
better to wait and talk it over with her first,” was the 
artful reply. 

“ I don’t see why. Pauline was my friend, and no 
one is likely to take her part as I should.” 

“ You are quite right there! And my only wonder 
is, that you, who are so honest and frank, shouldn’t 
have discovered that she was neither !” 

“Come, doctor, you are annoyed about something, 
and are saying more than you mean. You know peo- 
ple accuse you of doing it sometimes.” Though she 
lightened the effect of her words by a smile, Dr. Hil- 
dreth was nevertheless stung thereby, and answered, 
with infinite contempt, — 

“ And what do you suppose I care for that? You 
know, or ought to know, there isn’t a word of truth in 
it ; and so, for the Lord’s sake, don’t repeat such rub- 
bish to me ! Besides, you had better wait till you hear 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


219 


me out before being so critical as to how I put it ! Do 
you remember the evening when Mr. Carrington told 
us a story, down at my house, about a duel?” 

“ Yes, I think I do,” Kate replied, finding occasion 
to gather up her dress and withdrawing her hand from 
his arm for the purpose, but not replacing it. 

The doctor noted this slight change in her manner, 
but refrained from any comment. 

“Well,” he continued, “the girl he spoke of as the 
cause of it was no other than Pauline Bertrand or Ber- 
nard !” 

For a moment the words conveyed no meaning to 
her ears ; but, as she slowly repeated them to herself, 
little by little, their sense stole into her brain, and 
after that the shadow of another thought, to be pres- 
ently faced, swept across her mind. 

Dr. Hildreth, only intent that his information should 
make due impression, called attention to a corollary 
attached to his demonstration, — 

“ What becomes, then, of all that yarn about the 
little sister she was left in charge of, and whose death 
grieved her so that she came to this country for change 
of scene ?” And he laughed sardonically. 

“ Please don’t !” exclaimed Kate, whose nerves 
seemed to repeat the sound of his laughter. “How 
did you find this out?” But, strangely enough, it 
did not occur to her to question the truth of his dis- 
closure. 

“ Carrington had a letter from his friend that put 
him on the track ; and then she acted so queerly while 
he was telling us about it that my attention was at- 
tracted, and I was very sure who she was. Carrington 


220 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


went to see her afterwards, and she acknowledged it 
after a hard fight.” 

“ I suppose he — Mr. Carrington — saw Pauline very 
soon after you found who she was ?” 

“ On the next evening, I think. Yes, Fm certain 
it was, because I insisted' there should be no delay.” 
Though not knowing to what this pointed, the doctor 
was pleased that Carrington appeared to be coming 
under consideration, and was quite willing to be ques- 
tioned as closely as possible. 

“ And why wasn’t I told of this before ?” Kate 
asked, certain what the answer would be, but still try- 
ing to blind herself. 

“ Because Carrington was soft-hearted enough to 
promise for both of us that it should be kept a secret. 
But since the young woman showed me her claws, I 
haven’t the slightest compunction in telling you.” 

There was no longer use in questioning or trying to 
gain time for further thought, and, as though by a con- 
scious act of her own, a curtain was drawn aside; again 
she saw Pauline looking tenderly upward in Carring- 
ton’s face, and again heard him say, “ There is no need 
that I can see to tell Miss Loring.” But now how 
differently she read the meaning of the whole scene ! and 
in the next instant Kate was saying to herself, “Oh, 
how shamefully I treated him! What have I done? 
What have I done ?” 

They had left the village behind them, and, after 
crossing the railway, were following a narrow road, 
which, in the distance, topped the low ridge of hills. 
As they walked on the young, fresh grass at the road- 
side, Kate stopped and, resting her arms on the rail- 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


221 


fence, looked sorrowfully into the distance. She was 
bravely trying to keep back the tears that nearly 
blinded her, trying to think how beautiful were the 
blossoms of cherry and apple, the fields yellow with 
dandelions, and the sparkling sea beyond. 

a But, after all, what was the use of it ? Beautiful 
though it all was, it couldn’t make light a heavy heart 
nor teach a poor girl to be happy. No, she had proudly 
thought to shape her own life, and the result was only 
too plain !” 

Dr. Hildreth, though not yet suspecting how deep 
was the impression he had made, thought it better to 
say nothing. So, leaning against the rails of the fence, 
he was apparently absorbed in watching the crows as, 
high in air, they followed on in unending succession. 
There seemed to be pure enjoyment to them in thus fly- 
ing in the warm sunshine, after the cold, nipping winter. 
And no small satisfaction, too, in gathering in neigh- 
borly fashion to discuss the prospective grain crop, 
after the scanty fare dismally sought in the cold mud 
and reeds on ice-strewn shores. 

But now their homely croaking fell earthward, and 
mingled with the sobs Kate could no longer restrain, 
like the commoi or lamentations of the Greek tragic 
chorus. 

The doctor stirred uneasily. 

“ Don’t cry,” he said ; “ she wasn’t worth it.” 

“ I don’t c-care for her, mean, deceitful thing ! It’s 
something ever so much worse than that !” And then, 
in a burst of confidence, “ Oh, doctor, I have behaved 
outrageously to him ! I know he will never forgive 
me !” 

W 


222 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


Dr. Hildreth was more moved by this adjuration 
than he thought it became a man to show, and this 
was further complicated by a sudden fit of modesty. 
“ Who was he to take upon himself to advise a young 
girl in such a case? How could he know how far it 
was proper or fit for them to go ? But, at any rate, he 
could talk to Carrington on his own account, and soon 
make him see the folly of his ways.” So he said aloud 
and with all his usual confidence, “ Oh, yes, he will ! 
And, besides, if he don’t come around right away, I’ll 
tell him he’s making an ass of himself! What possi- 
ble right has a man to put on airs and say he won’t be 
on good terms with another person? He’s nothing 
more nor less than a stuck-up, conceited puppy ! And 
I’ll take great pleasure in telling him so !” 

“ Why, what could the poor fellow do? I told him 
that I wanted nothing to do with him, and to go away, 
and so he went,” replied Kate, who could not help 
smiling even through her tears at this absurd outburst. 

“ Well, and if he had two grains of common sense 
he would come back when you called him. The fact 
is, his pride is simply damnable !” 

“ But I haven’t called him yet, and I don’t see how 
it is to be doue. Besides, I behaved so stupidly that I 
don’t see how he can ever care for me again.” 

“ Why not write and tell him you were mistaken ?” 
he asked. 

“ I couldn’t. You don’t know, doctor, how hard it 
is for a girl to take such a step, when she is not sure 
how it may be received. He may be perfectly indif- 
ferent about me now. I’m sure he looks so when I 
meet him.” 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


223 


Dr. Hildreth was too well satisfied with his morn- 
ing’s work to feel very uneasy as to the result. But 
Kate was still so much disturbed that he set himself 
seriously to think of something that might pacify her 
and, at the same time, not come in conflict with those 
feelings which withheld her from making anything 
like an advance. But nothing occurred to him, and at 
last he said, in a softer voice than she had ever before 
heard him use, — 

“ Kate, my dear, I have known you ever since you 
were a little girl, and for a few years past very inti- 
mately. If you think you can trust me to act for you, 
I shall do it as I would if you were my own daughter. 
Or if you prefer to talk with my wife, I know she 
would be delighted to help you. For this should have 
a woman’s handling ; it’s out of my province ; and Mrs. 
Hildreth is no fool in such matters, and in very few 
others, let me tell you !” 

“You dear, good, kind-hearted thing!” said Kate, 
impetuously, and giving his arm a tender little pat. 
“ But no ; this is something I brought on myself and 
must bear by myself, and if anything is done it must 
come from me. But, my dear old friend, I thank you 
with all my heart for showing me that Mr. Carrington 
is what I first thought him, a true gentleman. Prom- 
ise me, though, you will say nothing to him unless I 
give permission.” 

And without demur, but with mental reservations, 
the doctor promised. 


CHAPTER XXIV. 


The system now pursued in the management of the 
farm seemed to Mr. Wright to involve such extrav- 
agance and even waste in the use of fertilizers, such 
useless attention to the respective advantages of drill- 
ing or hand sowing, and absurd consideration of rota- 
tion in crops, that he was able to take much pure en- 
joyment from the utterances of a prophetic soul easily 
conjuring up visions of future ills. But even he could 
not but feel pride in the trim appearance everything 
presented when the last shouts that guided the plough 
along the furrows had died away, when the last seeds 
had been planted, and the hush had come which tells 
that, for the time at least, man’s agency is at an end, 
and the rest is left to nature’s productive silence. 

To arrive at this state of affairs, of course, constant 
personal supervision had been necessary, and Carring- 
ton had found no difficulty in satisfying himself that 
he was too hard-worked to see anything of his friends. 
With so good an excuse, even Mrs. Tracy’s attempts to 
draw him within her family circle were successfully 
evaded, but so pleasantly that she was content to bide 
her time in a spirit of calm hopefulness. 

All the feelings of anger which followed Carring- 
ton’s rupture with Kate were gone, but were replaced 
by a sense of weary discouragement, a consciousness of 
a strain to keep himself up to some mark and the ne- 
cessity of avoiding her if he would escape much pain. 

224 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


225 


Kate, on her side, had determined to take advantage 
of the first opportunity chance might give her to tell 
him that she had been in the wrong, but with such 
dignity and in such a way that there could be no pos- 
sible misapprehension as to her motives. But his visits 
to Miss Morton were so infrequent and his manner to 
Kate, when they encountered each other, so ceremo- 
niously polite, that her resolutions died away or were 
spent in a timid increase of friendliness that met with 
no response. As the days passed and the seeming es- 
trangement became greater, of course the difficulty of 
speaking increased with it, until Kate, hopeless of 
any change, longed for her father’s return that she 
might go off with him somewhere, anywhere, so that 
she could drive these haunting thoughts out of her 
mind. 

Dr. Hildreth was for a time content to wait patiently 
for what he thought must be the very simple result of 
his disclosures, and had warned Miss Morton on no 
account to take further notice of the affair. Since the 
casus belli was removed on the one side, it was but 
natural to suppose that the other was longing for peace, 
and would gladly accept the first overtures. But he 
overlooked the fact, or, rather, did not know how much 
reason Carrington had to feel aggrieved, and how little 
likely it was he could soon forget what could not but 
seem a gratuitous insult. 

The doctor’s patience was at no time permitted to 
become burdensome to himself, nor allowed to interfere 
with the promotion of his wishes, and the time seemed 
longer to him than to Kate, before he at last resolved 
that he must again put his shoulder to the wheel. He 


226 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


did not care to break his promise to Kate, unless it 
should become absolutely necessary, and, besides, felt 
a slight dread of opening the subject with Carrington, 
who was not quite as cheery as of old, and looked just 
now as if he might be quick to suggest that he felt 
competent to manage his own affairs. However, un- 
less this absurd state of things was to be allowed to 
continue, it was, without doubt, necessary to bring them 
together ; and as it would be worse than useless to do 
this with any appearance of premeditation, the doctor 
cast about in vain for some pretext to accomplish his 
purpose. 

Though taking great care that it should not be sus- 
pected, Dr. Hildreth secretly cherished a superstitious 
belief, that was not quite sustained by result or reason, 
in his wife’s power to decide on the best course to be fol- 
lowed at critical moments. But as he was wont to look 
for an answer that should accord with previously-con- 
ceived intentions, and, if disappointed, to reject the 
advice with scorn and contumely, after the manner of 
the African, and indeed of all setters-up of fetiches or 
oracles, it is hardly needful to state that this belief did 
not materially govern his actions. Having, like most 
of us, n\ore care to conceal from himself than from 
others even what might be considered a personal weak- 
ness, he managed to think that he took immense pleas- 
ure in watching his wife’s confusion of mind, and that 
for this alone he sought her assistance. Mrs. Hildreth 
naturally felt shy of these interviews, which, on her 
part, commonly ended in tears and great excitement. 
But when they were not to be avoided and she could 
overcome her dread, she showed considerable acute- 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


227 


ness in fathoming her husband’s wishes and shaping 
her responses accordingly. Unless, indeed, some- 
thing might be under consideration to which she 
chanced to have attached a formless but tenacious 
opinion, when the doctor was left in no doubt as to 
what she deemed best for him to do, and his imaginary 
pleasures came to a brief end. 

One morning, soon after breakfast, as Mrs. Hildreth 
was mentally groaning at the steepness of the stairs she 
was about to laboriously climb, a door suddenly opened, 
and the doctor, with some blandishment of manner 
suggestive of a familiar nursery-rhyme, said, “ Mrs. 
Hildreth, will you favor me with a few moments’ con- 
versation in my study ?” 

As Dr. Hildreth was nothing if not conservative, it 
is possible that he placed more confidence in the utter- 
ance of an oracle when in a time-honored trance, and 
for this reason adopted a certain courtliness of de- 
meanor, which left his wife in a state of sufficient be- 
wilderment to give the desired vagueness to her answers. 

What made the doctor’s change of manner particu- 
larly appalling to his wife was its suddenness. Though 
but an hour before she might have been basking in the 
sunshine of his every-day humor and enjoying the 
sportive caracolling of his mind, without warning the 
dread summons might come, and as the door closed 
Mrs. Hildreth left all hope behind. 

“Pray be seated, Mrs. Hildreth! A fine day, 
though rather warm, perhaps. I trust you find your- 
self in the enjoyment of good health?” 

His wife had by this time obeyed the gracious wave 
of the hand, which indicated that she was as usual to 


228 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


occupy his easy-chair; and, having seated herself on 
the extreme edge of this post of honor, she now swayed 
forward in dumb acknowledgment of his inquiries. 

The doctor, clasping his hands behind his back, 
paced slowly to and fro, only stopping when she spoke 
or it seemed desirable to emphasize his remarks by ad- 
dressing her face to face. 

“ Without further prelude, Mrs. Hildreth, and with 
your kind permission, I will, as briefly as possible, lay 
before you an outline of the subject which is this day 
to come before us for consideration. But to bring to 
bear the necessary clearness of mind on this important 
topic, I must beg of you to rid it of all extraneous 
matters. To prove to you how advisable it seems to 
me to attain to this desirable result, I will state, in 
passing, that for my own part I have just run through 
several geometrical problems of a complicated nature.” 

There was no change of countenance as the doctor, 
inwardly chuckling over this figment of a brain which 
had been fully occupied in preparing his exordium, 
with a sly glance took in her attitude of depressed res- 
ignation before continuing. 

“ Therefore I must ask you to forget the prices of 
butter, tea, eggs, sugar, etc. ; to forget your suspicions 
that certain articles of food and luxury disappear with 
undue rapidity ; to forget that you have promised num- 
berless garments to the sewing society which have 
never been forthcoming ; and, lastly and chiefly, to dis- 
miss from your mind the latest novel you may have 
read. For, Mrs. Hildreth, however much it may have 
absorbed you at the time, or whatever pathetic recol- 
lections of it still haunt your brain, remember that, 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 229 

being but fiction, it can have no weight in guiding us 
in the consideration of this too sad reality.” 

He paused for a moment, and Mrs. Hildreth, feeling 
that it was too bad what suffering some poor people 
had to undergo, now produced her handkerchief in ex- 
pectation of a heart-rending revelation. 

“ Having thus prepared ourselves, I shall further 
request that you will for the present at least dismiss all 
prejudices you may have formed on the subject we are 
about to discuss, as I see by your intelligent expression 
that your phenomenally acute mind has already seized 
on what I would say and bounded to some conclusion.” 

In correspondence with this suggestion, Mrs. Hil- 
dreth here brightened and attempted to assume a look 
of intelligent understanding, which sent the doctor into 
a corner in a fit of laughter, hardly covered by a spas- 
modic cough. Controlling himself in a moment, he 
said, gravely, “ It will then be useless to waste your 
valuable time in going into details; and as I place 
great faith in the intuitive reasoning powers of your 
sex, I will now ask you, Mrs. Hildreth, what is to be 
done in this emergency ?” 

She now wished she had let him state his case, and, 
in great perplexity, cast about for a non-committal an- 
swer. But her brain at no time moved quickly, and 
the sight of her husband standing like an animated 
interrogation-point, after his question, did not help 
matters. At last she timidly said, — 

“ I should like to know what you think of it, 
Frank ?” 

“ By no means, Mrs. Hildreth ! I should hardly 
have so interfered with the daily routine of your af- 
20 


230 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


fairs, or my own, pleasurable as your society is to me, 
if I could have decided the matter satisfactorily by a 
simple reference to my own opinion. This consulta- 
tion would in that case be indeed an act of superero- 
gation, and I think you would hardly be able to sub- 
stantiate so grave a charge as that. Mrs. Hildreth, I 
await your answer !” 

And, with the air of one who, in debate, has demol- 
ished an adversary, but further indulges himself with 
the sarcasm of seeming to expect a reply where none 
can be forthcoming, the doctor drew his eyebrows 
thickly together in a frown, and thrust the fingers of 
one hand within his coat, which was “all buttoned 
down before.” 

Fearing that if she blundered on any farther in the 
dark it would only arouse his anger uselessly, Mrs. 
Hildreth resolved to throw herself on his mercy, — 

“ I am sorry to give you so much trouble, doctor, 
but I’m afraid I must ask you to explain a little 
more.” 

“ How often must I warn you not to ‘ assume a vir- 
tue if you have it not’ ? Why give me to understand 
that it was needless to explain, when it now appears 
you were completely in the dark ? But there ! that is 
one of the well-known absurdities your sex practises, 
and if I once began to attempt to account for them, I 
should simply waste your time and mine. So, then, I 
shall not dwell any longer on the point. But, mark 
me, Mrs. Hildreth, we come at last to the considera- 
tion of what must be a sorrow to all their friends, 
— the estrangement of Henry Carrington and Kate 
Loring !” 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


231 


Mrs. Hildreth not only sighed with an air of relief, 
but sank back in the chair in an attitude of easy at- 
tention. 

“ Permit me to ask what causes your hilarity, Mrs. 
Hildreth?” 

“ I expected something so much worse.” 

“ Indeed ? I must be allowed to express my sincere 
disgust at the want of feeling you show in this matter ! 
For, after the fashion of other cold, heartless women 
of the world, you unfeelingly sneer at the misfortunes 
of your nearest and dearest friends, and turn to ridi- 
cule those who are not as callous as yourself!” 

“ How, Frank, you ought to know better than to say 
such things to me ! I would do anything for Kate, 
and Pm very fond of Mr. Carrington !” And again 
she sat bolt upright, but now moved by righteous in- 
dignation. 

“ Perhaps I spoke more strongly than there was ne- 
cessity for,” the doctor hastened to say, understanding 
from her manner that it might be prudent to get on 
with his statement. 

“So you did, Frank, and I wish you would keep 
such things for people who deserve them, — Mrs. Tracy, 
for instance ! If you want to know who is at the bot- 
tom of all this thing, Mrs. Tracy is the mischief-maker, 
let me tell you that much !” 

“I think you are mistaken, my dear,” her husband 
responded, with great mildness. “And I didn’t exactly 
wish your opinion as to the cause of the trouble, but 
rather how to find a way out of it.” 

“ Perhaps I am ; but then I’m perfectly sure she had 
a hand in it !” 


232 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


“You are wrong, Mrs. Hildreth, take my word for 
it !” said the doctor, whose patience was fast leaving 
him. 

“I always am, Frank. But it seems to me you 
ought to believe your wife before a stranger ! And if 
you weren’t so prejudiced in favor of Mrs. Tracy, you 
would see she is the only one likely to have done it !” 

“Prejudiced, Mrs. Hildreth? And pray, who is 
the stranger you bring in in this bewildering fashion? 
I may be prejudiced, but let me inform you it is for 
the best of reasons. I know all about this affair, Mrs. 
Hildreth, while you are in a state of crass ignorance 
and a darkness worse than Egyptian ! So, it seems to 
me that it might be more becoming in you to listen 
rather than to malign your neighbors in that fashion !” 

“ Oh, very well ! But I thought you asked me for 
my opinion,” remarked Mrs. Hildreth, with a show of 
justice, and restraining her tears with difficulty. 

“ So I did, so I did !” answered the doctor, relenting 
at sight of her distress. “ But there must have been a 
misunderstanding somewhere, and we got off the track. 
You meant very well, I dare say, but the fact is, my 
dear, you let your prejudice against Mrs. Tracy run 
away with you, that’s all I meant to say. Now, let 
me put the thing clearly to you, and we’ll make a fresh 
start. The difficulty is simply this : Kate knows she 
has been in the wrong and is anxious to make up ; but 
Carrington don’t know what grounds she had to go 
upon, and is huffed at something she said to him. 
And Kate, being in some respects as foolish as most 
of you, is afraid if she writes to him that he will put 
on airs, or perhaps say he is disappointed in her or 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


233 


some other twaddle. Now, Mrs. Hildreth, that’s the 
state of the case in a nutshell, and the only remedy I 
can think of is to bring them together in a natural 
sort of way, and give them a chance to talk it over. 
But how to do it is the point ! There’s no use asking 
them here ; for one or the other wouldn’t come, or, if 
they did, they would both be like pokers. What’s to 
be done, I say ?” 

For once, at least, Mrs. Hildreth justified her hus- 
band’s confidence in her sagacity, and, with a sugges- 
tion of contempt in her manner at the calibre of a 
man’s mind who could lose time over such a trifle, she 
said, — 

“ Why, of course, then, we must get up some theat- 
ricals !” 

The doctor looked at her for a moment in mute 
admiration, and then, much to her surprise, throwing 
off his air of dignity, he bent to kiss her. 

“ Susan,” he exclaimed, “ you’re a remarkable woman 
— sometimes ! Nothing would suit me better ! Come 
along, and we’ll talk it over as we take a little ex- 
ercise !” 

And, as Mrs. Tracy would say, bras dessus, bras 
dessous , they left the room. 


20 * 


CHAPTER XX Y. 


But before Dr. Hildreth could satisfy himself in 
the selection of a play, his marionettes were otherwise 
occupied. Carrington ordering his horse saddled, one 
morning soon after breakfast, started off briskly and 
with an air of great determination. In a few minutes, 
however, there was a change; the reins lay slack on 
the mare’s neck, and temporarily abandoning his re- 
solve to invite Miss Loring to join him in a ride, he 
excused himself as follows : “ Yes, I’ll ask Molly ! 
Somehow I always think more of Kate when I’m with 
t’other one !” Miss Tracy, ignorant that she was being 
used as a contrast, gladly accepted the invitation, and, 
in a rapturous state of excitement, was, after several 
attempts, hoisted into the saddle. Mrs. Tracy super- 
intended the start with beaming approval, and, as they 
went off, called from the steps, — 

“ Pray take the greatest care of our dear girl, Mr. 
Carrington ! Gardez la comme vdtre vie ! Adieu ! 
Ma belle, pull your skirt lower, and mind you keep 
close to Mr. Carrington.” 

It did not seem probable that Molly would stray far 
from her escort nor endanger her safety by fast riding. 
For, after they had trotted but a short distance, she 
managed to pull up to a walk, sorely shaken and disor- 
dered. It took some time to recover breath, shake the 
skirt into position, and with sundry cunning pats to 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


235 


make sure that there was no immediate danger of the 
braids coming down ; and, as Carrington displayed no 
wild desire to hasten a conversation, this was gone 
through with in silence. While the horses walked 
quietly on, Molly began, in a tone intended to be en- 
thusiastic, — 

“ Oh, that was perfectly splendid! We’ll try an- 
other one by and by. But not quite so fast, please. 
It gives me a pain in the side. Do you know I’m 
afraid I’m not very strong, — that is, lately?” 

“ Ah, indeed ! I am very sorry to hear it. Though 
I remember now your mother did speak of it. But no 
one would suppose so from the color in your cheeks. 
A few more rides and I’ll pronounce you cured.” 

“Not many more, I’m afraid,” answered Molly, 
looking down with a sigh. “ Dear old place ! I really 
believe I shall miss it dreadfully, and some of the 
people, too, but not many.” 

“Why, you startle me,” said Carrington, with a 
calmness that belied the assertion. “ If I may ask, 
where and when do you think of going?” 

“Abroad, — probably back to dear old Dresden. 
Were you ever there ?” 

“ Yes, beer and music were mine, and I footed it 
through the Saxon Switzerland. By the same token, 
I’d like to be there now,” he said, a little gloomily, as 
lie finished in an undertone. 

“ Complimentary, I’m sure !” she exclaimed, in as- 
sumed annoyance. 

“ Of course it was understood that you had preceded 
me to Dresden.” 

“ Oh, that would be delightful ! Just think if we 


236 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


should happen to meet there ! And people, you know, 
do run across each other in the strangest way !” said 
Molly, looking really handsome, as a true feeling of 
pleasure shone in her face. 

“ Why, should you really care?” asked Carrington, 
earnestly, and bending to look in her eyes. But before 
she could answer he cut his horse sharply, saying, “ Ah, 
stumble again, would you !” and for a moment was 
fully engaged in bringing the astonished animal to a 
state of quietude. 

“ Your time will be too much taken up with the offi- 
cers to be able to give a thought to any one else,” he 
said at last, in disappointingly mocking tones. “ Come 
now, confess ! Didn’t you think them just too awfully 
sweet ?” 

“ They were perfectly lovely !” answered Molly, 
thoughtfully. For even if Mr. Carrington didn’t mean 
to come out there, there was still this blissful vision to 
sustain one. 

“ Which uniform did you most affect ?” 

“ Oh, the cavalry, of course. I wonder you ask. 
That blue is simply divine ! Don’t you think so too ?” 

“ There can be but one opinion,” he gravely replied. 
“ It is simply heavenly ! No other word expresses it. 
But, Miss Molly, sometimes, I pray you, think of the 
afflicted men who will be yearning for your return 
whilst you are wholly occupied with these gay young 
cavalrymen.” 

“Very much you’d care!” said Molly, with some 
bitterness. 

“ Of course I should ! Don’t you suppose it harasses 
me to think of all the charming girls who marry on 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


237 


the other side, and are thus hopelessly lost to us Amer- 
icans? If I had the power, an edict should settle this 
matter beyond perad venture.” 

But Miss Tracy found no comfort in being classed 
as a glittering generality. 

“ Whose fault is it, I’d like to know ?” she rejoined. 
“Our men make a great fuss about the girls, but you 
don’t catch them marrying unless everything is just so.” 

“ Poor things, they are dazed !” he answered, airily. 
“ Continually obliged to raise their standard of excel- 
lence and bewildered with the beauty which surrounds 
them, they flit from one flower to another, ready to sip, 
but fearing that some quality may be wanting, some 
delicacy of flavor which might be gained by holding 
off* just a little longer.” 

“ That’s very poetic or sarcastic, whichever you 
please, Mr. Carrington, and quite true. Some people 
hold off* until it is too late.” And, to his dismay, after 
fumbling in the saddle-pocket for her handkerchief, 
Molly suddenly sobbed out, “ Oh, Mr. Carrington, I’m 
so miserable ! Take me back to mamma !” 

“ Oh, Lord ! what have I done now ?” Carrington 
groaned. “ Miss Molly, what’s the matter ? I didn’t 
mean to hurt your feelings, and I assure you most 
solemnly I wouldn’t have done it intentionally for the 
world ! Won’t you please stop that crying ? Every 
sob goes through me in an awful way. I was a per- 
fect brute, I know it. There ! will that satisfy you ? 
Miss Molly, please listen to me ! Molly !” And, 
really worried at her tears, Carrington spoke in his 
most beseeching tones as he laid his hand on hers. At 
this critical moment the sound of wheels not far behind 


238 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


them made Carrington withdraw his arm in haste, but 
in a moment Kate Loring passed them, nodding care- 
lessly and wishing them a pleasant ride. As soon as 
Carrington saw who it was, he again laid his hand on 
Molly’s, but at the same time felt a wave of exaspera- 
tion, both at himself and his companion, sweep over 
him, as he knew that another obstacle had cropped up 
in his path. 

u Mr. Carrington.” No response from the cavalier, 
who is gazing sternly ahead of him. u Mr. Carring- 
ton !” much more sharply this time. 

“ Plait-ilf Yes, by Jove, it’s the best thing I can 
do !” 

“ What ?” questioned Molly, whose tears had dried 
as quickly as they came. 

“ Go away from here,” was the laconic answer. 

“ Then we shall see you, after all ?” 

“ What, at the north pole? How profoundly touch- 
ing if we should meet even there ! But please don’t 
look for much warmth of manner from me up there, — 
even sentiment congeals and becomes a ghastly warning 
to men ! Yes, I’m seriously thinking of joining an 
expedition. How shall you go ?” But Molly, flushing 
indignantly, answered nothing, and Carrington, who had, 
obviously, to look for his temper, continued, as he saw 
Kate disappearing in the distance, “ Here’s a nice level 
piece. Don’t you think this pace rather slow? Per- 
haps if you push that animal he might possibly canter.” 

“ No, he won’t ! I’ve tried him, and he is nearly as 
disagreeable as anything or anybody I ever met ! What 
a pity it is you are tied to me, Mr. Carrington, when 
you would so much rather be somewhere else !” 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


239 


“ Miss Molly, can’t we take such pleasure as we may 
without continually thinking how much better off either 
or both of us might be ?” 

“Oh, if you don’t wish me to talk, I can find plenty 
of enjoyment in my own thoughts. Happily, they are 
not confined to one subject or person.” 

“ Oh, you mistake me ; I enjoy light and cheerful 
conversation above all things ! And you have such 
charming tact in avoiding anything unpleasant that 
I await your opening with great interest. Will you 
begin, or shall I ?” 

“Oh, I really thought for a moment that you were 
in earnest,” she remarked, innocently. “ What shall 
we talk about ?” 

“ That’s for you to decide,” he said, checking a 
yawn. 

“ Poor Mr. Ellis !” said Miss Tracy, as the conver- 
sation languished after this fashion, “ I’m afraid he is 
likely to have a hard time of it. They say he has 
gone away, after another failure to move Kate. For 
my part, I don’t see why she encourages the poor man 
in this way.” 

“The encouragement Mr. Ellis needs is so slight 
that I doubt whether Miss Loring ever gave him any.” 

“ Do you, really ? Why I thought — we all thought 
— that was the reason you gave for — never mind.” 

“Very enigmatical, I’m sure; and I regret that I 
fail to understand your meaning,” said Carrington, 
with the stiffness of manner that usually contradicts 
this assertion. 

“ What charming innocence !” she answered, archly. 
“ But don’t you suppose that every one knew of the 


240 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


desperate flirtation that was going on, and that you 
tired of it first ?” And her laughter rang musically 
on the breeze. 

“ Whatever may have passed between Miss Loring 
and myself was strictly between ourselves, and doesn’t 
seem to me a subject for general discussion !” he said, 
sharply. “And I should further like it understood 
that there was no question of tiring on my part, how- 
ever it may have been with Miss Loring.” 

“Cross thing!” Molly remarked in an undertone, 
and visibly pouting, as she whipped up her horse. 

Carrington felt that he had shown more warmth 
than was either politic or in good taste, and, as they 
came to the water by the lane, through which he re- 
membered so well passing in his first ride with Kate, 
he dismounted to tighten the girths of Molly’s saddle. 
On finishing he laid his hand on the pommel and 
looked demurely in her face as he said, — 

“ Do you know you are looking uncommonly pretty 
this afternoon ?” 

Miss Tracy tried hard not to show that she was 
pleased at this undisguised compliment, but being un- 
able to avoid his eyes, she laughingly exclaimed, — 

“ Oh, you dreadful man !” But Carrington, who, 
from frequently hearing it, had come to understand 
that this was her strongest expression of contentment, 
was quite satisfied with the result, and, much to Molly’s 
disappointment, relapsed into silence. She was one of 
those people, however, to whom it seems that silence 
was made only to be broken, and it was not long before 
she remarked, wishing to show her small consideration 
of its value, — 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


241 


“ A penny for your thoughts, Mr. Carrington.” 

a You would have to bid much higher than that,” 
was his answer. 

But the truth was, that Carrington would have been 
thoroughly ashamed to confess that he was trying to 
decide a matter — of some moment to himself — in the 
peculiar way suggested by a boyish, or perhaps still 
older instinct, of hitting an object a given number of 
times with missiles, such as stones or sticks. 

He had thought, “ If I hit the trunk of that cedar 
three times with these stones, I’ll speak to Kate again 
the first chance I get.” And now, oblivious of Molly, 
and with his horse’s bridle over his arm, he was gravely 
emptying a handful of pebbles at the tree. He had 
struck it twice, and now held his last chance between 
finger and thumb. It was a seductive stone. Round, 
flat, and just the right size, but, alas, too light! For, 
as he threw, it slanted up against the wind, curved 
back to its original direction, and, missing the mark 
by a yard, fell far beyond into the water with a cheer- 
ful little chop. 

“ Slippery thing, — hadn’t proper hold of it !” he 
muttered, with a vague sense of disgust. But he had 
made up his mind to speak to Kate. Finding that 
his companion was watching him with some inquiry 
in her looks, Carrington diverted her attention by re- 
marking, — 

“ I’ll tell you what I was thinking of, Miss Molly, 
and that is, why some girls must be continually watch- 
ing and criticising other women. They seem to have 
almost given up running down each other’s looks, for 
they know that every man is just mean enough to 


242 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


suspect them of jealousy, and so they go to the other 
extreme and praise the girls we consider as homely as 
a hedge-fence. Indeed, they often think an ugly girl 
the prettier of the two !” And Carrington laughed in 
a knowing way, as if — misguided wretch — they could 
hide nothing from him. “ But the whole system ought 
to be as obsolete with them as the cross-bow in modern 
warfare. Now, take men,” he went on, with consider- 
able fatuity, “they are not always comparing them- 
selves with other men. They are not always wondering 
whether women think them handsomer, better dressed, 
cleverer, or stronger than some other man.” 

“ I think you are talking utter nonsense !” retorted 
Molly, scornfully, after several unsuccessful attempts 
to cut in, as knowing that his remarks were mainly for 
her own benefit. 

“ Perhaps you are right, in a measure,” he said, 
meekly, after a moment’s reflection. 

Molly was about to enlarge on her view of the sub- 
ject when, from behind them, a shrill cry was borne 
to their ears. Carrington held up his hand for silence, 
and now above the lapping of the waves came an in- 
distinct call for help. 

“ Kate’s voice !” exclaimed Carrington, as he vaulted 
into the saddle, and dashed away with scant ceremony. 

“ You had better follow along, as I may not be able 
to get back to you !” he called back. 

“Follow along, indeed ! I shall do nothing of the 
kind ! I wonder what Miss Catherine is up to now ?” 
soliloquized Molly. And wavering between curiosity 
and a sense of dignity, we shall leave her for the 
present. 


CHAPTER XXVI. 


Kate drove for some miles before turning back, 
and when she did so would gladly have avoided meet- 
ing Carrington and Molly on her way home. 

“ Perhaps I can reach the lane before them, and go 
down to the water until they have passed,” she thought. 
But, when still some distance away, she saw that they 
had anticipated her, and were even then turning off 
from the main road. Thinking that she could now 
take her own time, Kate ceased to encourage her horse ; 
and, as Re presently subsided into a walk, she drew a 
letter from her pocket and became absorbed in its con- 
tents. There were a number of closely- written pages, 
and before she had finished she was aroused by the 
sudden stoppage of the wagon. Looking up, Kate 
saw that a man stood at her horse’s head. He was not 
an agreeable object, but managed to throw considerable 
suavity into a naturally harsh voice as he politely said, 
“Mornin ? , miss.” 

“ What do you want ?” asked Kate, pale but cool. 
u What wud er poor man like me want but what 
yer kin spare so easy and not know ther diff’runce ?” 

“ Let go my horse, or I shaVt give you a cent !” 
said Kate, with determination. 

i( Oh, anythun ter be ergribble !” As he answered, 
letting go his hold on the bit. 


243 


244 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


Kate instantly lashed her horse, but as he responded 
to the whip, the man reached forth a powerful arm 
and, as the horse began to pass him, jerked its head so 
strongly aside that the wheels cramped and the wagon 
nearly upset. 

“ Blest if that warn’t neat! You’ll do, young 
woman ! But them games won’t work with me, so 
mind what yer about !” said her captor, as he slid his 
hand down the rein and came nearer. 

“ I’ll give you enough for your breakfast — there ! 
There’s fifty cents. Let go, and I’ll say nothing more 
about it.” 

“ Er minute ago and I’d er taken it and thanked yer 
kindly. But I mistrusts them ez tries ter get ther best 
o’ me. So if I’m jugged for it, it’ll be for somethun 
worth while!” 

As he stopped speaking she struck fiercely at his 
head. But carelessly throwing up an arm, he shielded 
his face, and with the same motion wrenched the whip 
from her grasp. Kate was now thoroughly frightened. 
But though she tried to call for aid, for an instant her 
parched throat gave forth no sound. At last a cry for 
help rang out in a voice that, even to herself, seemed 
to come from another. 

“ Don’t yer wish somebody wuz ? But they ain’t ; 
so shut up, or I’ll find er way ter mek yer !” said the 
tramp, though looking uneasily about. 

Again Kate screamed, with what breath remained to 
her. 

“ Stop thet squawkin’ or I’ll throttle yer, — damned 
ef I don’t !” he exclaimed, making so savage a clutch 
for her throat that Kate almost fainted with fear. 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


245 


u Here, take it all !” she gasped, holding out her 
purse. 

“ That’s quiet and reas’nubble, and if you’d er spoke 
sensible at fust, I wouldn’t er ben hash with yer. 
Nice, purty er young woman ez ever I see ! If I 
hadn’t er loud call ter leave this hyer, I’d stay and talk 
with yer a bit, — damned if I wouldn’t !” 

He was now familiarly resting an elbow on the side 
of the carriage and bending forward to look up in her 
averted face, while from his tattered clothing and 
greasy person a sickening odor arose that made Kate 
shudder as she shrank as far as possible from him. 

“ Where’s yer young man ? Ain’t got none ? That’s 
er blasted shame ! What’s they up ter, ter let er purty 
girl travel round lone ? Wisht I hed ther time and 
I’d show thum, — blamed milksops ! Hang me if ever 
I see sich eyes ! But businiss ez businiss, and if yer’ve 
got er ticker and any gimcracks, sich ez finger-rings, 
fork ’em out quick, fur I can’t palaver all day !” 

Kate, who had been tremblingly listening to these 
compliments as with lowered lids she veiled as far as 
possible the eyes which so excited her spoiler’s admira- 
tion, looked up and, to her delight, saw Carrington 
turn into the main road. Hardly repressing an excla- 
mation, but adroitly changing it into a sigh, as she saw 
him, apparently taking in the situation at a glance, 
trot quietly yet swiftly towards them on the short turf 
by the roadside, Kate slowly began to draw off a 
glove, saying, “ I only have this one ring, and it isn’t 
worth much, but if you must have it !” 

Carrington was drawing near, and Kate already fan- 
cied she could read a grim determination on his face 
21 * 


246 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


and a meaning design in the way the left hand alone 
controlled his horse, while from the right swung a 
formidable hunting-whip. As Kate seemed unable 
to draw the ring from her finger, the tramp at last 
exclaimed, — 

“ Confound it! Hurry up, will yer? Or, never 
mind, 141 take er kiss instead !” 

Evidently uneasy, as the necessity of putting at least 
a county between himself and the scene of his exploit 
presented itself more strongly, he took hold of her 
arm to draw her within reach. 

“ The ring won’t come off, but here’s something in 
my pocket. I wonder where it can be?” she said, 
talking loudly, to cover the sound of the horse’s feet. 
For, could she but keep the game going for two min- 
utes longer, Carrington would have time to walk his 
horse over the few yards now intervening, and then, 
with a rush, all chance of escape would be cut off. 
But there came a ringing sound as the horse’s shoe 
struck a stone, and it hardly needed a backward glance 
to tell the other man to be off. 

“ Curse yer tricks, yer hussy !” he shouted, hurling 
the pocket-book at her head, and, bounding up the 
bank and over the low rails, made for the next fence. 
Could he cross the next two tumble-down walls he was 
safe, for there, just beyond the second, stretched a 
dense wood, and in its depths a man would soon be 
lost to a pursuer. 

But instead of losing time by riding up to the wagon, 
Carrington, with the blood boiling in his veins as he 
saw the action and heard his words, turned, and with 
whip and spur sent his horse scrambling up the slope 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


247 


and crashing over the light rails after the runaway, 
who was already half across the field. It was a near 
thing. Another minute and he would fling himself 
over the stone wall and be safe, for the time at least, 
by dodging his pursuer from one side to another of its 
friendly shelter. Another minute ! But it was now 
a question of seconds, as the quick beat of hoofs sounded 
close in his ears. A desperate effort, a few more strides, 
and a jump will do the rest. But even as he glances 
back to measure his distance from the pursuer, a pale, 
set face looks down on him, and, struck by the horse’s 
shoulder, the tramp shoots forward and lies grovelling 
and prone. 

Carrington was obliged to rein his horse sharply to 
one side to avoid the wall, and, though wheeling back 
and dismounting with all possible speed, by the time 
he was on his feet the other had risen and now con- 
fronted him. The man who was to be punished did 
not seem to be much disconcerted, nor much the worse 
for his tumble on the grass, although breathing heavily 
after his sharp run. 

Carrington saw at once that his work was cut out 
for him. There was no mistaking the suggestion of 
• power in the deep chest and long arms, and, tall as 
Carrington was, the other’s eyes looked down upon 
him. 

“Well, now yer liyer, what yer goin’ ter do ’bout 
it?” 

There was no answer but that of the swish of the 
whip as it passed through the air and lashed the 
speaker full across the face, and at the same time 
Carrington took firm hold of his collar with the left 


248 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


hand. But he had not given full value to the other’s 
strength, for, wrenching himself free by a desperate 
effort, the tramp struck a round-arm blow that fell 
sideways on Carrington’s cheek and sent him reeling, 
dazed, and for the moment half-stunned. A low cry 
reached him from the road, where Kate was watching 
them. 

“ Mr. Carrington, oh, come back ! He will kill 
you ! Please come back — for my sake !” 

But he did not even glance in the direction of her 
voice. He had indeed completely forgotten her for 
the time being or for what reason he had assumed the 
part of an avenger. For all that is wild and brutal 
in our natures seemed now to be uppermost in him. 
He felt a beast-like rage and desire to dash at the 
other’s throat and struggle with him to the end. His 
face, before pale, was now flushed and dark, and every 
drop of blood in his body seemed tingling at the sur- 
face, ready to burst forth. 

“ I cud lick two on yer ! Blast yer ! Pitch yer 
stick away, and stand up like er man !” The chal- 
lenge was hardly needed, and, as Carrington mutely 
flung down his whip, the men stood up to each other. 

Although Carrington was trembling with excite- 
ment, he knew too well what he was about to throw 
away his chances in a blind rush such as he longed to 
make. He felt there must be no trifling with a man 
of the other’s weight and strength if he wished to in- 
flict the punishment he intended the tramp to receive 
before he had done with him. So, for a few seconds, 
their heavy breathing was the only sound that broke 
the stillness. While there was nothing of the finished 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


249 


boxer in the tramp’s attitude as they slowly circled 
about, the knowing way in which he covered himself 
showed that he by no means put up his hands for the 
first time. And, as Carrington stepped in some in- 
equality of the ground, he just succeeded in stopping 
— more by good luck than skill — the blow of a huge 
fist which instantly shot for his head. But all this 
was sheer loss of time to the other, who feared that 
assistance might come at any moment to the man who 
confronted him with such purpose written on his face. 
Watching his opportunity, he abandoned his defensive 
tactics and suddenly rushed on Carrington, raining a 
shower of blows on his arms, but could not break 
down the firm guard that opposed him, and the rally 
ended by the tramp receiving a stinging facer before 
he could break away. Something must be done, and 
that quickly. 

“ Hit him on ther head, Bill, and I’ll fix him in 
front !” he shouted. 

It was an ingenious but well-worn idea, and Car- 
rington, knowing that no one could be near them, de- 
termined to humor it. Stepping back and lowering 
his hands, he turned his head as if to look for a new 
assailant. But, even as the tramp sprang at him, he 
again swung into position and countered with an arm 
rigid as a bar of iron, and as the other faltered, blinded 
and staggering with the stroke, a crashing blow from 
Carrington’s right drove him bleeding to the earth. 
Then, heedless of everything, and with one foot on the 
man’s body, Carrington lashed the writhing figure till 
the stick splintered in his hand, and only then began 
to feel his fierce passion abating. 

L* 


250 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


The horse, unmindful of petty strife, was quietly 
cropping the short, toothsome grass near at hand, and 
submitted at once to be caught, and, leading him, Car- 
rington left the tramp moaning where he lay, and went 
back to the road. He felt sick and shaken, and withal, 
a little ashamed of the rage that had consumed him. 
But, as he came to the wagon and saw Kate stanching 
a slight wound where the steel-bound purse had grazed 
her face, he could hardly stammer out, — 

“ Are you badly hurt? I wish I had killed him !” 

He was so pale and his voice so indistinct that Kate 
instantly took alarm. 

“ Don’t think of me; it’s nothing but a scratch. 
But you — lean on the carriage. Ah, your poor cheek! 
The wretch !” 

“ Now Fm all right again,” said Carrington, pulling 
himself together in a moment as the faintness passed 
off. “ Ever since I had that knock on the head a 
little excitement makes me dizzy. But now/’ he went 
on, resuming the cool tone that Kate had of late been 
accustomed to, “if you wish to go home I shall be 
happy to see you safely there.” 

“ Oh, Mr. Carrington !” exclaimed Kate, impulsively, 
and almost sobbing. He waited, looking down and 
grinding a heel into the dirt until she continued: 
“ This is the second time you have risked your life for 
me. How shall I thank you ?” 

“ You magnify the danger greatly,” he answered, 
carelessly. And then, with a weary expression and in 
a low, stifled voice, “ No man could have done less, so 
I need no thanks, and least of all from you. Why 
should you trouble me with them, then?” As he 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


251 


spoke, his lip trembled. “Now,” he continued, dryly, 
“ docs it please you to go home, Miss Loring ? I 
seem a little unmanned to-day, and had better play 
the woman altogether and ask Mrs. Wright for some 
tea to steady my nerves.” 

“ And am I not even to thank you, my friend that 
was?” 

At this he looked up and stepped closer to the wagon, 
but said nothing. 

“ I have known for some time that I wronged you, 
and wanted to say so ; but you made it so hard for me, 
what could I do ? And I really thought I had good 
reason for what I did.” 

“ How could you treat me so cruelly ?” he at last 
said, and for the first time looking her full in the face. 
But before she could answer he went on : “ But, after 
all, what does it matter now, when it is of no use? 
You only make me feel more bitterly what I have 
lost, and, God knows, through no fault of mine.” 

“ No use?” Kate repeated, mechanically. 

“ Yes ; what is left for me but to go, after the opin- 
ions you expressed of me and my conduct?” he said, 
bitterly. “ I ought to have gone long ago ; so now I 
have only to thank you for having had the courage to 
say so much in my vindication, and to assure you that 
my recollections of Biverdale will be far pleasanter 
than if I had left even yesterday. Will you not 
add to your obligations by shaking hands with me?” 
She seemed to be trying to speak ; but after waiting 
an instant, Carrington, saying, “ Perhaps that is too 
much to expect, though,” turned and prepared to 
mount his horse, which, standing patiently behind him, 


252 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


had, in the course of the dialogue, occasionally thrust 
a dark muzzle towards Kate in hopes of a lump of 
sugar. 

“ Oh, Mr. Carrington, must you go? What shall I 
say ?” And Kate’s firmness began to fail her. There 
was an eager flash in Carrington’s eyes as he again 
came nearer. 

“Do you mean that it will matter much to you 
whether I go or stay ?” 

“ I am happier now than I have been for some time, 
since we are friends, — and we are friends again ? 
Though I treated you so badly, you will forget what 
has passed, won’t you ?” 

“ You know what my friendship for you means. I 
told you, and you rejected it with contempt. If we 
take this matter up again, it must be where we left off. 
There can be no question now of friendship. It is too 
late for that. It is a question now of love, — that and 
nothing less. Kate Loring, as you are a true woman, 
you owe me this much frankness ; as a man I can take 
no less. Shall I go now or stay ?” In answer her 
ungloved hand was stretched towards him, and then 
Carrington was passionately kissing it. 

“ Ah, Kate, dear girl, thank God it’s all over !” 

“You forgive me, then?” she asked, speaking more 
lightly. 

“Forgive you, Kate? I ” But with her dis- 

engaged hand she gently touched his bruised cheek 
with a pitying gesture, and Carrington, suddenly losing 
control of his voice, subsided into silence. 

But as they looked in one another’s eyes words 
seemed cumbersome and useless; there was nothing 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 253 

more to say just now, nothing more to explain ; the 
whole matter was perfectly clear. 

Again a horse trots up the road, and Carrington, 
with a ringing laugh that does Kate’s heart good to 
hear again, says, as he releases her hand, “ Why, .there’s 
poor Molly Tracy all this time ! I had forgotten her 
as completely as if she had never been born.” 

“ I have been waiting for you for some time, Mr. 
Carrington !” remarks the deserted Miss Tracy, with 
dignity, as she comes up. That gentleman is under- 
stood to say something about “ having been detained 
by circumstances beyond his control,” but before his 
apology is ended, Molly interrupts him, in a fine vein 
of sarcasm. 

“ Oh, I see how it is, Kate ! How stupid of me ! 
This is a rehearsal, of course ! Though I wasn’t aware 
that Dr. Hildreth had chosen his play, much less given 
out the parts !” 

As Kate, with flushed cheeks, was drawing on her 
glove, and did not seem ready with an answer, Car- 
rington spoke up briskly as, once more on horse- 
back, he contrived to place himself between the two 
girls. 

“ Yes, indeed; I’m surprised you hadn’t heard of it, 
though, as I understand you are to have one of the best 
parts. But this, you know, is to be a tableau. Boad- 
icea, in her chariot, haranguing her subjects before the 
battle. Quite realistic, you know, — horse on the stage, 
scythes to the wheels, and ” 

“Mr. Carrington as the captive led behind the 
chariot, I suppose?” Molly interjects, with discon- 
certing acuteness. 


22 


254 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


“ You misunderstood me ; I said before the battle, 
so there couldn’t be any captives, you see.” 

“ I certainly shall maintain that the battle was all 
over when I first saw this — ah, yes — tableau . And, 
Kate dear, I really think you had better study up the 
positions a little better, or the audience will altogether 
mistake the situation, as I did.” 

“ As for the play,” Carrington hastily continued, 
not unconscious of failure in his well-meant efforts, — 
“what is the name of it? One of those old things, 
you know, by Johnson ? Goldsmith ? Of course, that’s 
it! How my memory does fail me, to be sure! ‘She 
Stoops to Conquer.’ Nice old play as ever was.” 

“ Oh, surely you were mistaken about this being a 
tableau f Though I don’t quite remember this partic- 
ular situation, this must have been a scene from ‘ She 
Stoops to Conquer.’ Come, Kate, isn’t it? Confess, 
and I won’t tell a soul of your public rehearsals !” 

Molly has it all her own way, and Carrington, rather 
disconcerted by her fire, remarks feebly, — 

“Well, Kate — Miss Loring, if you like to drive 
home, I’ll escort you.” 

“ And what’s to become of poor me ?” asked Molly, 
as Kate started homeward, in pathetic tones, but more 
good-humoredly than at first, as having obviously had 
the best of the skirmishing. 

“Oh, I meant, of course, that we should ride to- 
gether behind the carriage. There’s a tramp with 
sore feelings somewhere in the neighborhood, for he 
was annoying Miss Loring, and I had to drive him 
off, and that’s the reason I had to leave you so long 
alone, Miss Molly, much to my regret.” 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


255 


Carrington was now in the mood to consider it a 
providential dispensation that tramps with predatory 
notions should, occasionally, be sent to act as circum- 
stances in causing affairs to shape themselves in pleas- 
ant fashion. And though his first intention had been 
to drive his late antagonist before him to gaol, he was 
now well satisfied to see him seated on a distant fence, 
and even to hear an oath wafted on the breeze. 

“Poor fellow, how he must ache! And he has 
nothing for a plaster either.” And, to Miss Tracy’s 
surprise, he shouted, “Hilloa, I say! You over there 
on the fence ! Here’s a dollar for your pains ; but let 
me catch you at such tricks again and you’re a dead 
man ! Do you hear ?” 

“ What d’yer soy ?” shouted the tramp in return. 

“ Left a dollar on this stone !” repeated Carrington, 
emphasizing each word at the top of his lungs. 

“ Get along, blast yer ! or I’ll mash yer head wid er 
stone !” was the amiable reply that came back to them. 

But before they were out of sight, Carrington, turn- 
ing in his saddle, saw him hobbling across the meadow 
to pocket this unexpected trophy from a hard-fought 
field. 


CHAPTER XXVII. 


“Since Pauline was looking so affectionately in 
your face, there must have been some response in it. 
At least I took it for granted,” said Kate, who, on the 
evening of this eventful day, was defending herself 
from a charge of capriciousness. 

“No,” answered Carrington, “my expression is, some- 
times, essentially wooden. Perhaps, though, there was 
a sympathetic droop in my back that deceived you ?” 

“ And you admit that you were holding her hand as 
I came down-stairs ?” 

“ I admit it. I might shelter myself under the plea 
that she held mine, but that would only be begging the 
question ; and as the absent are always wrong, this 
shall be the exception to the rule.” 

“Very good, sir ! Secondly, you will not, of course, 
pretend to deny that you have flirted outrageously with 
Molly Tracy?” 

“ Oh, come, now, isn’t that putting it a little strong ?” 
he replied, with coolness. “ I acknowledge that Miss 
Tracy has now and then, casually, amused herself with 
me, but simply as a pastime, I assure you. You won- 
der at her taste perhaps ?” as Kate raised her eyebrows 
at this admission. “ So do I. But as for a flirtation, 
we neither of us know the meaning of the term.” 

“ What a good little boy it is !” she remarked, with 
a look of incredulity. “ But now we come to some- 
256 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


257 


thing that happened this very day. If you really still 
cared for me, why, sir, were you holding Molly's hand 
as I passed you ?” 

“ AVas I?” asked Carrington, in great apparent sur- 
prise. “ Well, well ! what won’t a girl notice next ? A 
trifle like that ! Yes, I am afraid I must admit so 
much.” But as Kate showed some* disappointment at 
his ready frankness, he continued, “You lay great 
stress on this matter of holding a girl’s hand,” — as he 
spoke, quietly possessing himself of Kate’s, — “ when in 
fact it means nothing whatever.” 

“ Naturally, then, you won’t object if I prefer to 
keep mine to myself,” she retorted, trying to withdraw 
it as she answered. 

But paying no heed to the movement, except to 
tighten his grasp, Carrington went gravely on : 

“ Now, you women have a hundred ways of showing 
sympathy, while a man is dreadfully restricted. He 
can’t go up to a girl, straighten her bonnet, rearrange a 
bow somewhere, or ask if that was a Worth dress she 
wore at the reception. Whereas one of you has all 
these little means and ever so many more of expressing 
herself. Kow, a man’s hand is his natural exponent, 
and goes out whenever he wishes to show another man 
that he sympathizes with him. Can you wonder, then, 
if he treats a woman in the same manly fashion when 
he is compelled by — well, by circumstances ? Of course 
he may talk, poor fool ! but how much more danger- 
ous are words! And to what endless trouble they 
lead ! In the other case a simple pressure of the hand, 
the delicate conveyance of an intended kindness, and 
there the matter drops.” 

22 * 


258 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


“ If he drops her hand ; but suppose he omits to do 
that, what then ?” 

“ Ah, there I can’t follow you. Really, my experi- 
ence is so slight that I don’t at this moment remember 
a case in point,” Carrington replied, with an air of 
modest reflection. “ But now, my dear Kate, I hope 
you see on what slight grounds you made me misera- 
ble. I have one trivial consolation, however, and that 
is, that your time doesn’t seem to have passed in un- 
alloyed happiness.” 

“It was not so very bad, after all, now that I’m 
compelled to look back on it,” she said, demurely. 

“And I was so given over to hilarity that I shall 
quite miss those happy, happy hours ; gone, alas ! never 
to return. Is there any further account for me to 
render? If not, you will greatly oblige by changing 
the subject.” 

“Yes, the most important of all. Why did Pau- 
line behave so strangely about you on the night of the 
robbery ?” 

“ Why, you unreasonable girl ! Do you pretend to 
hold me responsible for her eccentricities, when I was 
flat on my back and wholly indifferent to what flighty 
people might be doing around me? All the same, I 
should like to know what she meant by it,” he said, 
reflectively. 

“ You will soon have a chance to satisfy yourself. 
Yes, she will be in Riverdale to-day, and perhaps is 
coming here to-night. I was reading a letter from her 
when that man stopped me this morning.” 

As Carrington began to express his surprise the bell 
rang, and Kate said, — 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


259 


“ Perhaps that is she now. Would you mind taking 
that chair opposite to me ?” 

“ Most certainly I would. Why should I exchange 
a comfortable seat beside you for a straight-backed 
abomination like that you want to consign me to?” 

“ If you won’t, I must, then.” 

“ Will your ladyship condescend to furnish me 
with a reason ? But I forget. ‘ If reasons were as 
plenty ’ ” 

“ If you ever say that tiresome thing to me again, 
you will have reason to repent it. But hush, there’s 
the doctor’s voice ; don’t let him know anything yet.” 

And when that worthy came in with Mrs. Hildreth, 
Carrington, taking the hint, had risen, and was saying, 
in ceremonious fashion, — 

“Good-evening, Miss Loring. Very sorry that 
your aunt is unable to see me.” 

Dr. Hildreth was not a little surprised at finding 
them together, but began, with great volubility, — 

“ How de do, Carrington ? What’s the matter with 
your cheek? No lamp-posts in Riverdale. But don’t 
go yet, there’s a good fellow; I’ve got something here 
I want to talk over with you while the ladies are com- 
paring notes.. Should have been down to see you be- 
fore, but the fact is I’m worked to death.” Altogether 
ignoring Kate in his anxiety to make the most of this 
unlooked-for opportunity. 

“Very sorry not to be able to relieve you, but I 
have a pressing engagement,” Carrington replied, still 
edging towards the door. 

“ Obstinate, cold-blooded cuttle-fish !” the doctor 
grunted, in an aside, and ready to stamp with vexa- 


260 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


tion. “I’ll take it as a personal favor, Carrington, 
upon my soul I will ! The fact is, I’m not the man I 
used to be, and can’t go running about hunting up 
people. Just sit down over here, and I’ll only keep 
you a minute. Mrs. Hildreth, I wasn’t aware that 
you came to sit mumchance the whole evening through. 
Talk, woman, talk !” 

“ Good-evening, doctor !” said Kate. “ Is your busi- 
ness- so pressing that you can’t even look at me? But 
let me advise you not to detain Mr. Carrington against 
his will. Some people do not show to advantage un- 
less they have their own way in everything.” 

“ I was not aware that Miss Loring had had such 
opportunity to study my chief characteristics,” retorted 
Carrington, in the same vein. 

“ There, there !” said Dr. Hildreth, soothingly, and 
as he spoke pressing him into a chair. “ My dear 
Kate, allow me to say you can be excessively aggra- 
vating, and I don’t wonder Carrington resents it. I 
should myself under the circumstances, and, in fact, I 
have intended to notice the matter before. And I 
must say that it certainly does not seem the thing for 
a man of my age to have nasty little remarks flung in 
his face, or to see his best friends annoyed by a chit of 
a girl he has dandled on one hand.” 

“ Oh, never mind me, doctor, I’m used to it,” said 
Carrington, carelessly, while Kate looked down as a 
smile twitched the corners of her mouth. Mrs. Hil- 
dreth, seated beside her on the sofa, coughed uneasily 
and pointed to her pocket as matters seemed to grow 
worse and her husband warmer. 

“It is a thing I shall never be used to!” he ex- 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


261 


claimed, vehemently. “This want of respect and 
veneration for older and — ah — wiser people is one of 
the crying sins of the age, and is hand and glove with 
evolution, Wagner’s music, and new-fangled poetry. 
Take a boy or girl — young man and woman, if you 
prefer, twenty-five and fifteen are all the same to me — 
and give them a smattering of this rubbish, and what 
is the result? Mrs. Hildreth, you, I’m sure, will bear 
me out, — the result is simply an impracticable, sneer- 
ing, cold-hearted, cynical ” 

“ Good gracious, you dear old thing ! Is all this 
for my benefit? What have I done to deserve it 
all ?” Kate interrupted, quite aghast at his tirade. “ I 
don’t know anything about evolution, though I have 
tried to read Darwin to find out about the monkey, 
but it didn’t seem to me there was much to take hold 
of > 

“ Not even a tail !” interjected the doctor, recovering 
his mental balance as the humor of his remark struck 
him. “Of course, what I said was not for your bene- 
fit, Kate, because you are always very nice with me, 
only so far as I’m sorry to see that you and Carrington 
don’t get on together as you should. Now I don’t 
wish to flatter him, that’s not my way with any one, 
but I don’t know a young man I like better. He is 
tolerably posted in political matters, has a fair knowl- 
edge of books, and as his taste improves with the ex- 
perience that comes only with age, I have no doubt he 
will get over the crudeness in judging literary work, 
which, I suppose, is to be expected in every young 
man.” 

“ Oh, doctor ! now, really, I’m afraid you are letting 


262 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


yourself be carried away by excitement, as usual, when 
you come to talk of me,” said Carrington, humbly, as 
he exchanged a rapid glance with Kate. 

“ No ; Fm sure the doctor is quite serious and means 
every word of it; don’t you, Frank?” good Mrs. Hil- 
dreth answered, reassuringly. 

“ My friend,” said the doctor, loftily, “ I am not in 
the habit of giving way to excitement, as you put it; 
indeed, I very rarely meet a person capable of raising 
any excitement in me whatever. It’s a very dull world, 
my good sir, and the sooner you are content to add 
your quota to its respectable mediocrity and give up 
trying to explain what you can’t understand, the pleas- 
anter it will be for all who know you. To be quite 
frank with you, Carrington, while I won’t deny that 
you have your good points, — every one has, — there are 
some noticeably bad ones in your disposition. For in- 
stance, you should not plume yourself on your ability 
to read character; there you fail lamentably. And 
while the thing is amusing to me, to others it might 
be annoying, confoundedly annoying, to think that 
you imagine you can give reasons for everything they 
do or say.” 

Even Mrs. Hildreth could see that her husband was 
fast losing sight of his chief object in coming, and 
that, in his heat, he had forgotten that but a few min- 
utes before his strongest desire was to serve him whom 
he was now striving to rend. 

“ Frank,” she asked, “haven’t you something in 
your pocket you wanted to show Mr. Carrington ?” 

“Bring him out, doctor,” said that gentleman, for- 
getting his former air of restraint ; “ I’m just in the 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


263 


mood for a scientific discussion. What is he? Since 
‘Bird and reptile are your game/ one never quite 
knows what to expect. Mrs. Hildreth, I should think 
you might be very much startled by finding strange 
creatures in your husband’s clothes?” 

Dr. Hildreth wavered. Had he his will, his wife 
should first be stingingly reminded that it was solely 
her intervention which had confined him to the posi- 
tion of a looker-on in scientific affairs, and made this 
tasteless joke as to the fitness of his pockets as a recep- 
tacle for specimens, particularly poignant. But Mrs. 
Hildreth would, presumably, keep until his attention 
should be undivided, whereas this daring assailant, 
who actually seemed inclined to badger one who had 
been trying to help him out of a rut, might escape if 
now neglected. 

“ ’Pon my word, Carrington, I congratulate you on 
recovering your spirits ! You are enough of a strange 
creature to startle Mrs. Hildreth or any one else. You 
go about for weeks with a face like a yard-stick, in 
regular melancholy- Jacques style, and just as your 
friends try to show you a little sympathy, thinking 
you are disappointed in love or some other tomfoolery, 
you begin to grin like a clown at a fair, and make flip- 
pant remarks about a study whose outer gates you are 
unworthy to enter.” 

Kate by this time held a handkerchief to her face, 
and, as she trembled with some emotion, Mrs. Hildreth 
naturally enough thought that the doctor’s fling at 
disappointed love had moved her to tears. 

“There, Frank, we’ve had quite enough of this! 
I’m ashamed of you, making the poor girl cry with 


264 


DOCTOR HILDRET1D 


your ill-natured remarks ! Never mind, my pet, he 
sha’n’t abuse you while I can take care of you. And, 
Mr. Carrington, if you will come to our house, I’ll 
march you from cellar to garret, and, what’s more, you 
shall lunch in the study , if you like. Outer gates, 
indeed !” 

“ Twist my words as you please, Mrs. Hildreth,” 
answered her husband, in the gloomy tone of one who 
feels there is nothing left worth living for ; “ make the 
girl think she is dreadfully injured, when I never 
even referred to her, and I’ll beg her pardon for hav- 
ing said it. Put up a bed for Carrington in my study, 
if you think best, I sha’n’t object. But this much I 
will say,” suddenly warming with a sense of wrong, 
“that the man who attempts to do anything for such 
people is a born idiot, deserves all the thanks he gets, 
and is fitly mated with a woman who hasn’t the wildest 
conception of the use of metaphor !” 

“ But to return to your pockets,” said Carrington, 
with the air of one who deftly suggests a more agree- 
able topic. “ Why so coy ? Bring forth the pretty 
stranger, and I’ll promise not to anticipate you if you 
are preparing a paper on his life and habits.” 

“ Quite needless to assure me of that ! If you are 
cracked, Carrington, go on with this talk ; but if you 
think it funny, good Lord I pity you ! As for showing 
what’s in my pocket, I simply won’t, — that’s flat!” 

“A few minutes ago you spoke of new-fangled 
poetry,” said Kate, mischief instead of tears glancing 
in her eyes. “ If I know anything about it or if my 
taste for better things is vitiated, Mr. Carrington is 
entirely to blame.” Here she caught a threatening 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


265 


look from that gentleman, who saw her object ; but not 
heeding, Kate went on : “ Why, doctor, you would 
hardly believe me if I told you what he said about 
Byron and some of the others. I used to think Byron 
quite a poet.” 

At this the doctor started violently. 

“ Sorry to break up this pleasant gathering, but I 
must really say good-night,” said Carrington, rising 
briskly. 

“ You surely will wait until I have finished speak- 
ing ?” Kate coolly remarked ; and her victim reseated 
himself, prepared to bow before the coming storm. 
“ But, unless Mr. Carrington is mistaken, I must give 
that up now. Why, doctor, have there really been 
twenty men since his day who stand head and shoulders 
above him ? Is he mawkish in some parts, unreadable 
in others, and merely the forerunner of better things?” 

“ I am sure I must have spoken of some one else,” 
Carrington said, hastily, as he recognized some of these 
ill-digested sayings as his own. “ Your memory is at 
fault, Miss Loring. Yes, now I think of it, we were 
talking of Moore, — Ellis’s admiration.” 

“ Not at all !” answered Kate, remorselessly. “ I 
remember perfectly, doctor, because, naturally, it rather 
shocked me at the time. And you know, Mr. Carring- 
ton, you said you would rather have written almost any 
one of Browning’s lyrics than all of Byron’s work put 
together, because the one was a condensed bit of life, 
while the other was mere panoramic description, with 
wooden figures in gorgeous dresses to illustrate it. 
And there was ever so much more about Wordsworth, 
Swinburne, and our Emerson.” 
m 23 


266 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


Carrington, while inwardly pleased at the impression 
so much of his conversation had made, saw his oppor- 
tunity for retaliation. 

•“ It should be highly gratifying to me to find that 
my idle talk has been treasured with such fidelity by 
MJiss Loring.” 

Kate blushed furiously at this attack, but suddenly 
began laughing, while Mrs. Hildreth, watching her 
sympathetically, as suddenly beamed brightly, exclaim- 
ing, in a low voice, — 

“ Oh, my dear, you don't say so !” 

Kate had pressed her hand. Was this sufficient to 
convey intelligence of what had come to pass ? Since 
no man can say and no woman will, where shall the 
answer be sought ? 

Dr. Hildreth felt bewildered. When he first put 
foot in the house that evening his intentions had cer- 
tainly been of the best ; but somehow the times were 
out of joint. His pet grievances were hurtling at him 
from all sides, and yet no open enemies were in sight. 
These very names which this girl had at her tongue’s 
end came like ghosts to trouble joy. With infinite 
labor he had laid them many times in argument; had 
never slighted opportunity to hit out vigorously if Car- 
rington but attempted to drag them from the limbo to 
which he — Dr. Hildreth — had consigned them. And 
here, ushered in by one who should have known better, 
they again came trippingly forward to harass him. 

He gasped and rose to his feet. Then furiously 
diving into his pockets, he at last drew forth and 
brandished a small yellow-covered pamphlet. 

“ There, do you see it ? Do you want to know what 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


267 


it is ? It’s a play. Nothing for your scientific mind 
to take hold of there, — eh, Carrington? A play that 
insidious woman proposed to get up for the purpose of 
giving two silly, quarrelsome people a chance to talk 
over their love affairs. For my part, I bitterly regret 
that I was drawn into troubling myself at all about 
the matter. There !” And at the word, and with 
studied deliberation, he tore the book into the smallest 
possible fragments. “Was it not bad enough that 
you held such opinions yourself, in the face of all right- 
feeling people ? Have you not often said, after I had 
laid the matter fairly before you, that you would think 
it over, and had no doubt I was right ? And now I 
find that you have been instilling your pernicious doc- 
trines into this girl’s mind behind my back. Oh, Car- 
rington, ’pon my soul, I thought better of you !” And 
his voice deepened with real emotion : “ A girl I have 
taken such pains with, too ! warning her against this 
one, marking passages worth studying in another, and 
providing her, though I say it, with a course of read- 
ing which should have been sufficient to protect her 
against your insidious attacks. But I wash my hands 
of both of you. Come, Mrs. Hildreth ; you meant for 
the best, perhaps, but you will be the death of me yet. 
At any rate, we are still bound by ties that, I suppose, 
will soon be as old-fashioned as everything else. Come, 
I say, let us go.” 

“One moment, Dr. Hildreth,” said Carrington, in 
his most serious manner. “ I have an explanation to 
make. While I do not deny that Miss Loring has 
correctly given the substance of my remarks, there is 
this to be said in extenuation, and that is, that these 


268 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


foolish things were said shortly after I came to River- 
dale, and before I had had them put before me in the 
lucid way you have of stating your views. My own 
have materially altered since knowing you.” 

“ I am not above owning that I was hasty, Carring- 
ton. I see I did you injustice. There’s my hand on 
it. But, my dear fellow, if I seemed to be carried 
away, it was with good reason. Not because a man 
happens to differ from me about a poet, — that would 
be ridiculous. But I have made so complete a study 
of this subject that a straw is sufficient indication to 
me which way the wind blows. For instance, if I 
have my doubts of a man, I begin by sounding him on 
classical music in general and Wagner in particular. 
If he scouts it, I know him to be sound, and drop the 
matter ; but if not, my suspicions are strengthened, and 
I try my second test, carefully concealing my own 
views, you understand. Beginning with books of any 
kind, I lure him on to express his likes and dislikes; 
from that it is easy enough to branch off to the poets, 
and, sir, curiously enough, I generally hit on Byron to 
discuss.” 

“ Perhaps, doctor, because he is your favorite.” 

“ Nonsense! I told you I never let that be sus- 
pected.” 

“ Oh, I beg your pardon, so you did !” answered 
Carrington, cheerfully accepting this questionable state- 
ment. 

u Commonly, I find my third test unnecessary, be- 
cause my mind is fully made up before getting there. 
But sometimes, to make the thing perfectly clear, I in- 
cidentally refer to the mass of literature that has grown 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


269 


up around evolution and its collateral branches; and 
then, sir,” and the doctor’s voice sank to an earnest 
whisper as he laid a hand on Carrington’s arm, “ I 
suddenly and without warning spring on my man the 
one great question, 4 Where are you going to stop ?’ 
And, sir, when, by these methods, I have turned his 
mind and thoughts inside out like an old glove, what 
do you think I find, nine times out of ten? Mrs. 
Hildreth, what do I find ?” The doctor’s wife, pre- 
maturely cut off in an attempt to sustain a whispered 
conversation with Kate, concentrated her faculties and 
replied, — 

“ I never heard you found anything valuable, Frank. 
You might advertise ” 

With a melancholy gesture that showed he again 
consigned her to the low mental depths where she 
habitually dwelt, the doctor abandoned the attempt to 
carry his wife with him. 

“ Mr. Carrington, almost invariably the man proves 
to be an ass ! He is just learning to swim, and dives 
headlong into deep water without so much as a stick 
to keep him from drowning.” 

“ Perhaps he knows enough to float along till he 
touches bottom again?” asks Carrington, anxious to 
save this imaginary subject from a watery grave. 

u No, sir !” is the uncompromising answer. 

“ Then I see no help for the poor devil.” But, as 
Carrington looked at Kate Loring, a sense of his own 
happiness glowed through him. “ Yes, doctor, if he 
is married — a woman’s hand under his chin. There is 
his salvation. Why, it would be impossible for a man 
to go under if his wife stood by him. What a lovely 
23 * 


270 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


thing is woman ! I say, doctor, as a married man, 
don’t you fully recognize the elevating effect they have 
on us, their refining influence, the constant suggestion 
of their presence, and urging to better aims and modes 
of life? Oh, it is eminently fit and proper that a man 
should marry !” 

Dr. Hildreth was momentarily nonplussed at this 
apparently causeless outburst, but contemptuously dis- 
missed the trifling topic to a less serious moment, — 

“ Woman is very well in her place, — really a low 
one, if the truth were known, — a greatly over-estimated 
creature, Carrington, and the trouble is here !” And 
the doctor tapped his forehead significantly. u You can 
never get over that or make up for deficiencies there. 
But we will talk of that some other time, — a wide field, 
I admit. But, as I was saying, finding as I do that 
music of the future generally goes with a puppyish 
flouting at the best poetry and a leaning towards evo- 
lution, and that the result of these beliefs is a leading 
up by slow degrees to nihilism, atheism, and general 
damnation,” the doctor was again on his feet and excitedly 
gesticulating, “ can you wonder, I say, that I feel dis- 
turbed when I see a friend trifling about such an inno- 
cent-looking thing as poetry and attempting to destroy 
the reputation of the greatest poet, not excepting Shak- 
speare, sir, that ever ennobled man with his thoughts ? 
Perhaps you don’t go with me ? I remember you don’t ; 
but let me tell you this, that though idiotic scribblers 
say he will soon be forgotten, it will not be in my time, 
nor in yours ; and if that time ever does come, I verily 
believe chaos will have come again !” 

“ Come agai n, cher dodcur. So Kate has told you all.” 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


271 


Slowly to his side dropped Dr. Hildreth’s arm. For 
there, in the doorway, stood Pauline Bertrand, and be- 
hind her, Samuel Ellis. 

She looked hesitatingly at Kate, as though doubtful 
of her reception, but only for an instant, and then 
rustled forward as Kate advanced to receive her. 

“ Enter, then, my friend!” Pauline said, beckoning 
to Mr. Ellis, who still hung back. “ To you, Kate, I 
have written this is my husband, to the others I now 
make announcement.” 

There was a touch of defiance in her maimer as she 
looked at Dr. Hildreth. But on him it was quite 
thrown away. Warmly shaking her hand, he said, — 

“ Brought him to the mark, eh? Just in time; I 
saw him go on board the boat, but I never imagined 
he was going to bring you back with him. Well done, 
I say ! You’ll make a man of him yet, if cleverness 
can do it. Ellis, let me give you a word of advice. 
You have a remarkably nice wife, — clever, pretty, and 
all that sort of thing, — and since women are gifted 
with an intelligence and insight seldom bestowed on 
men, and are as much above us as it is possible for one 
mortal to be above another, you will do well to give 
yourself up entirely to your wife’s guidance. The man 
who does that is certain to stand well with the world. 
Mrs. Hildreth, it strikes me that a little civility on 
your part would show that you were not altogether 
destitute of feeling !” 

Mrs. Hildreth, who had been so astounded as to be 
unable to rise to meet these apparitions, meekly obeyed 
her husband’s suggestion. 

“ And Mr. Carrington?” Pauline said, inquiringly. 


272 


DOCTOR HILDRETH. 


“ Thinks as I do,” answered Kate, slipping her hand 
through his arm. 

“So!” exclaimed the doctor, with Teutonic inflection 
of voice, as he saw Kate’s movement of appropriation. 

“Oh,” said his wife, lightly, “I knew that some time 
ago. But you men are so slow to understand how things 
are going.” It was slight revenge for much contumely, 
but for a long time the doctor felt it keenly. 

Mr. Ellis, before shamefaced, but now glowing with 
pride as he became assured that he had done rather a 
clever thing than otherwise, took his place beside his 
wife. Though Pauline would ever be first, yet the 
hand which Mr. Ellis extended to greet his friends 
bore a large signet-ring with his family arms, serving 
both as a shield to baffle inquiries and, as now, to 
dazzle the eyes of society, which had again taken Pau- 
line to its embrace. 

“ What a pity you tore up the play, doctor !” said 
Kate. 

“ No, my dear, it wouldn’t suit the present state of 
affairs. If you undertake anything in that line now, 
it should be the dreariest tragedy you can find, as a 
slight preparation for the serious times ahead of you. 
But, no ! what has gone before has been but play, the 
reality is yet to come. But the curtain has dropped, 
and I must get back to my work. Come, Mrs. Hil- 
dreth.” 


THE END. 













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